Abstract
Self-compassion has been consistently linked to psychological well-being. The ability to be self-compassionate may be shaped by early attachment experiences and associated with interpersonal difficulties. However, evidence has yet to be extended to clinical populations. This study examined the role of self-compassion and its relationship with attachment and interpersonal problems in clinical patients with anxiety and depression. Participants (N = 74; 60% female, mean age 40 years) were recruited from a primary care psychological therapies service in Scotland, UK. Participants completed four self-report questionnaires assessing self-compassion, attachment, interpersonal problems and emotional distress (including depression and anxiety). Low self-compassion, attachment-related avoidance (but not attachment-related anxiety) and high interpersonal problems were all associated with higher levels of emotional distress and anxiety. Low self-compassion and high interpersonal problems were predicted by attachment-related avoidance. Self-compassion mediated the relationship between attachment-related avoidance and emotional distress and anxiety. This was a cross-sectional design and therefore a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn regarding causal relationships between these variables. Self-reported questionnaires were subject to response bias. This study has extended the evidence base regarding the role of self-compassion in patients with clinical levels of depression and anxiety. Notably, our findings indicated that self-compassion may be a particularly important construct, both theoretically and clinically, in understanding psychological distress amongst those with higher levels of attachment avoidance. This study supports the development and practice of psychotherapeutic approaches, such as compassion-focused therapy for which there is a growing evidence base.
Highlights
In the UK, one in four adults experience mental health problems in any one year, with anxiety and depression being the most common mental health problems (Singleton et al 2003)
This study aimed to explore the relationships between attachment, self-compassion, interpersonal problems and mental health in a clinical population with the following specific hypotheses: Firstly, lower levels of self-compassion and higher levels of interpersonal problems will be associated with attachment-related anxiety and/or avoidance
This study investigated if self-compassion mediates the relationship between attachment and psychopathology in a clinical population
Summary
In the UK, one in four adults experience mental health problems in any one year, with anxiety and depression being the most common mental health problems (Singleton et al 2003). There has been a growing research focus on identifying mechanisms that may protect individuals from developing mental health problems. Neff (2003) conceptualised self-compassion as consisting of three components: self-kindness, common humanity and mindful acceptance. Self-kindness involves being emotionally warm and non-judgemental towards the self in times of difficulty; common humanity relates to recognising that life’s difficulties are part of human experience; and mindful acceptance refers to being able to acknowledge and observe painful thoughts and feelings (Neff 2003).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
