The Value of Self-Compassion in Increasing Empathy and Life Satisfaction: A Brief Intervention for Psychologists

Abstract

Psychologists face a multitude of difficulties in their daily practice with clinical populations. Surveys involving psychologists’ practice, have shown high levels of emotional and physical exhaustion, burnout and compassion fatigue. One potential factor that could protect psychologists’ prosperity and quality of life is self-compassion. A variety of surveys have proved the fundamental role of self-compassion in decreasing a variety of symptoms and increasing well-being, positive psychological health, positive emotions, satisfaction of life and empathy. The aim of this survey was to investigate the value of self-compassion for psychologists, while also examining differences in levels of empathy and quality of life, before and after the intervention. A total number of 29 individuals, psychotherapists active in practice participated in the current studies. Participants were divided in two groups, the experimental group (N=9, M=29.89) and control group (N=20, M=31.05). The division prior to the initiation of the intervention, based on their availability to participate in the intervention organized for the aim of this study. Results indicated a statistically significant difference for all six components of self-compassion for the experimental condition, showing that the level of total self-compassion was increased after the intervention, compared to the control group. Life satisfaction was also significantly increased in the experimental group. There was only one statistically significant difference for the component of fantasy (fantastic empathy) only in the intervention group. The difference between the intervention group and the control group, and the follow-measurement of self- compassion remained statistically significant.