Self-Care with Self-Compassion (SC2): A Program to Foster Well-Being in Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Students

Abstract

This article describes elements of Self-Care with Self-Compassion (SC2), a novel program designed to foster well-being in graduate speech-language-pathology (SLP) students. Graduate SLP students experience elevated levels of perceived stress, which can ultimately impact their professional competence. University programs, faculty, and staff are uniquely positioned to help students learn to cope with stress. Self-care and self-compassion may buffer some of the effects of stress, and at the same time foster qualities in students that facilitate learning and promote healthy clinical practice. Twenty-five incoming SLP graduate students participated in SC2, a required, two-part workshop. Levels of perceived stress and self-compassion were collected, along with program evaluations and perceptions of/engagement with self-care pre- and post-program. Results confirm that graduate SLP students experience elevated levels of stress, along with moderate levels of self-compassion. Students value self-care, and most want to maintain or increase their engagement in self-care practices. However, students face several barriers in implementing and maintaining self-care plans. Students provided positive reviews of the program. Program limitations and possible future modifications of the program are discussed.