Who Benefits from Training in Self-Compassionate Self-Regulation? A Study of Smoking Reduction

Abstract

Self-compassion has been found to promote well-being but research has yet to examine whether training in self-compassion improves self-regulation (Gilbert, 2005(Gilbert, , 2009Neff, 2003). the present study sought to examine the impact and moderators of a self-compassion intervention on the self-regulation of cigarette smoking. one hundred and twenty-six smokers seeking to quit were randomly assigned to one of four interventions, of which one involved engaging in selfcompassionate imagery and self-talk at every urge to smoke. Multilevel modeling revealed that over three weeks, the self-compassion intervention reduced daily smoking more quickly than a baseline self-monitoring condition but at the same rate as two other imagery-based self-talk interventions. Moderators of selfcompassion training emerged. the self-compassion intervention reduced smoking more rapidly if participants were low in readiness to change; were high in the trait of self-criticism; and had vivid imagery during the intervention exercises. findings suggest that training oneself to self-regulate from a self-compassionate stance might be especially effective for individuals who are able to visualize a compassionate image and whose personality and motivation would be expected to undermine the impact of traditional treatments.A self-compassionate disposition protects against emotional distress and promotes health and well-being (Gilbert, 2005;Neff, 2003). Neff operationalized self-compassion as an approach to one's pain and suffering characterized by showing oneself kindness and understanding instead of criticism, seeing one's experiences as common

Brief report: Self-compassion, physical health and the mediating role of health-promoting behaviours

“…Results replicate the findings of Sirois et al (2015a) and other studies which found self-compassion to be associated with healthier behaviours in general population samples (e.g. Kelly et al, 2010;Schoenefeld and Webb, 2013).…”

The Role of Self-Compassion in Goal Pursuit and Well-Being Among University Freshmen

“…In a 2009 study, Kelly and colleagues found that a self-compassion intervention for chronic acne sufferers, in which participants were trained to reduce self-attacks, significantly decreased symptoms of depression, skin complaints, and feelings of shame compared to the control group. In a subsequent study, Kelly, Zuroff, Foa, and Gilbert (2010) found that a self-compassion imagery and self-talk intervention on a group of smokers looking to quit reduced daily smoking more rapidly than a baseline self-monitoring condition. There is also evidence supporting Gilbert's Compassionate Mind Training (CMT; Gilbert & Irons, 2005) among clinical populations, demonstrating that CMT may be an effective treatment for lessening feels of shame and self-criticism that often play a prominent role in the manifestation of disorders such as major depression (Gilbert & Proctor, 2006;Mayhew & Gilbert, 2008).…”

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Based Interventions for Substance Use Disorders: A Literature Review

“…As the only study to examine the efficacy of a self-compassion based intervention with a substance use disorder, Kelly, Zuroff, Foa & Gilbert (2010), stands out as an exemplar of a solid treatment comparison study. The authors point out that the study was short-term, and that it focused on reducing use instead of quitting, and that the participants were light smokers, which means that the findings may not apply to heavy smokers.…”