Using self-compassion to grow in the face of trauma: The role of positive reframing and problem-focused coping strategies.

Abstract

Recent research has shown a link between self-compassion, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and emotion-focused coping strategies (i.e., positive reframing and acceptance). Studies have also found evidence for the use of problem-focused strategies (i.e., active coping, planning, and instrumental support) as mediators between self-compassion and stress, and the use of these strategies has been found to predict PTG. However, no studies have directly examined the relationship between self-compassion, PTG, and the use of problem-focused coping strategies. This study investigated the association between self-compassion, emotion- and problem-focused coping, and PTG in trauma survivors. Participants were 111 emerging adults aged 18 to 29, from Canada and the United States, who completed an online survey that included measures of coping, PTG, and self-compassion. Self-compassion and PTG were both correlated with three coping styles, active coping, instrumental support, and positive reframing. All three coping styles predicted PTG over and above self-compassion and played multiple mediating roles between self-compassion and PTG, with no differences between the three coping styles in their mediating effects. These findings indicate that problem-focused coping strategies are also influential in mediating the development of PTG from self-compassion. Self-compassion reduces one's tendency to overidentify with negative emotions through positive reframing. The use of active coping and instrumental support also allows individuals to feel more capable in dealing with their traumatic events. Incorporating problem-focused self-compassion-based practices in cognitive behavioral and exposure-based therapies may offer additional benefits by reducing self-criticism to better promote active recovery from traumatic events. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).