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23-04-2025 | ORIGINAL PAPER

A Brief Writing Exercise Promotes Self-Compassion Among Those Who Fear Self-Compassion

Auteurs: Cortney M. Burnham, Nancy L. Kocovski

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness

Abstract

Objectives

Self-compassion has been shown to be helpful in a variety of contexts, but few studies have evaluated the feasibility of self-compassion inductions for individuals who fear self-compassion. The aim was to examine the impact of fear of self-compassion on a self-compassion induction.

Method

In two studies, participants recalled a past speech and then were randomly assigned to a self-compassion, reappraisal, or control writing condition. Study 1 (n = 326) was completed online. Study 2 (n = 150) was completed in person and involved anticipating a speech.

Results

In Study 1, inducing self-compassion led to significantly lower distress and higher state reappraisal compared to control. There were no differences in state measures of anxiety and self-compassion. In Study 2, inducing self-compassion led to significantly lower distress immediately after the induction and when anticipating the speech compared to the control condition. There were no differences on state measures of anxiety, anticipatory anxiety, post-event processing, reappraisal, or self-compassion. In both studies, among those who reported having high fear of self-compassion, those who completed the self-compassionate writing reported higher state self-compassion compared to reappraisal and control.

Conclusions

These studies show the feasibility of self-compassionate writing for individuals with fear of self-compassion.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.

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Titel: A Brief Writing Exercise Promotes Self-Compassion Among Those Who Fear Self-Compassion
Auteurs: Cortney M. Burnham
Nancy L. Kocovski
Publicatiedatum: 23-04-2025
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-025-02577-w

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A Brief Writing Exercise Promotes Self-Compassion Among Those Who Fear Self-Compassion

Abstract

Objectives

Method

Results

Conclusions

Preregistration

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Abstract

Objectives

Method

Results

Conclusions

Preregistration

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