Self-compassion and cognitive flexibility in trauma-exposed individuals with and without PTSD

Abstract

Considering the importance of cognitive processes in controlling behavior and emotion, and also individuals’ different reactions toward traumatic events; the current study was carried out to compare self-compassion and cognitive flexibility in trauma-exposed individuals with and without post-traumatic stress disorder. In this cross-sectional study, subjects were recruited among individuals exposed to at least one traumatic event in Gilan-Gharb city (Iran). Through the available sampling method, the numbers of 400 people were selected, and after exerting inclusion and exclusion criterions, 252 individuals concluded the final sample of the study. Subjects were divided into two groups of with and without post-traumatic stress disorder based on clinical interview and the cut-off scores higher than 103 in the Civilian Mississippi Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder scale; Then responded to the demographic questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale and Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire individually. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Multivariate Analysis of Variance test. Results revealed that the mean scores of the group with post-traumatic stress disorder were significantly lower than the group without post-traumatic stress disorder in variables of Cognitive Flexibility, Self-Compassion, and components of self-compassion including Self-Kindness, Common Humanity, and Mindfulness; the mean scores of the group with post-traumatic stress disorder were significantly higher than the group without post-traumatic stress disorder in components of self-compassion including Self-judgment, Isolation, and Over-Identification. Findings of the present study suggest that self-compassionate attitude toward shortcomings and failures of self, and cognitive flexibility is lower in people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder than those trauma-exposed individuals without post-traumatic stress disorder.