Shame and Compassion: Potential Mechanisms Behind Bullying and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Shame and Compassion: Potential Mechanisms Behind Bullying and Depressive Symptoms With a prevalence of 11 % depression is a relevant topic for child- and adolescent-psychiatry. Different factors play a role in genesis and maintenance of depressive symptoms. Shame-proneness and experience with bullying are discussed as reinforcing factors. On the other hand self-compassion is considered to be a protective factor. In this study it is analyzed, whether shame-proneness and self-compassion moderate the influence of bully-experience on depressive symptoms. Data of depressive adolescent in-patients (n = 37) and healthy controls (n = 19) is analyzed. It could be shown that high shame-proneness reinforces the influence of bully-experience on depressive symptoms. General self-compassion has no moderating influence. However, self-kindness is a protective factor against the negative impact of bully-experience on depressive symptoms. Results are discussed regarding their relevance for therapy and prevention.