Self-compassion In Patients Research Articles

Is treatment adherence linked to self-compassion in schizophrenia?

Introduction Self-compassion is defined as the ability to be open to and touched by one’s suffering and to relate to it with kindness and non-judgmental awareness. Although identifying factors related to treatment adherence remains an important challenge in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, self-compassion has rarely been investigated in this population. Further studies are needed to investigate whether self-compassion training can improve treatment adherence in this population.ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and treatment adherence in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.Methodsthirty stabilized adult outpatients with schizophrenia (n=18), schizoaffective disorder (n=11), brief psychotic disorder (n=1) per DSM-5 criteria were included. Self- compassion was assessed using the 26-item Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Treatment adherence was assessed using the Medical Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Socio- demographic characteristics, including age, gender, academic level, and mean daily antipsychotic dosages were collected.Results There was no significant difference in SCS scores and MARS scores as a function of gender, age, or academic level. The results of the present preliminary study suggest a positive correlation between the SCS total scores and the MARS scores. It was found that higher levels of self-compassion are related with higher levels of treatment adherence in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and lower levels of self- compassion are associated with discontinuation of medications without a psychiatrist’s recommendation. This connection was present in all diagnostic groups.ConclusionsThe results of the present preliminary study suggest that self-compassion and treatment adherence are closely related. Improving self-compassion in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders may improve their level of treatment adherence. Further studies are needed to investigate whether self-compassion training programs could be useful as an extension of standard psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy to improve treatment adherence in this population.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Factors predicting self-compassion among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Thailand: A cross-sectional study.

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy. Although chemotherapy is the primary treatment for breast cancer, it frequently has several detrimental side effects. Patients with breast cancer require self-compassion to regulate their emotions in order to cope with their suffering. Factors affecting self-compassion have mostly been investigated in the context of chronic diseases in general, not specifically in relation to patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. This cross-sectional study sought to describe the self-compassion level and to examine the predictive ability of self-critical judgment, body image, stress, attachment style, social support, hope, and self-reassuring on self-compassion among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The participants were 210 Thai women with breast cancer who received chemotherapy in northern Thailand and were selected using proportionate random sampling. Data were collected from December 2021 to January 2023 using validated instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analysis. Self-compassion was moderate (Mean = 2.91, SD = 0.91). Self-critical judgment (β = 0.487, p <0.001) and hope (β =0.128, p = 0.032) could predict self-compassion in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and explained 40.1% of the variance. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing self-critical judgment and fostering hope in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy to enhance their self-compassion. Nurses and other healthcare providers can use the findings to provide interventions to promote self-compassion.

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy upon distress, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in patients with cardiovascular disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Cardiovascular patients experience various psychological problems due to the conditions caused by their disease, which make it worse if left untreated. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on distress, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study was a randomized clinical trial with pre-test, post-test and two-month and four-month follow-up periods accompanying a control group. At four stages, patients filled out questionnaires on depression, anxiety, stress (DASS-21), emotion regulation (ERQ), and self-compassion (SCS). The experimental group underwent a treatment protocol based on acceptance and commitment therapy. Data were then analyzed using SPSS-25 with repeated measures analysis of variance. Act significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, enhanced self-compassion, and improved emotion regulation in cardiac patients. Between-subjects (Group) partial etas for depression, anxiety, stress, reappraisal, suppression, and self-compassion were 0.61, 0.64, 0.66, 0.62, 0.66, and 0.65, respectively. Treatment efficacy was maintained during the 2- and 6-month follow-up visits. The results of this study suggest that treating cardiac patients' psychological problems in a way focused on acceptance and commitment therapy may have an impact on how well they respond to their treatment.

Mindfulness, cognitive fusion, and self-compassion in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders-A cross-sectional study.

In the last decades, third wave approaches in cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) have shown effectiveness in treating several mental disorders, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Three crucial processes associated with clinical changes in patients include mindfulness, psychological flexibility (PF) and self-compassion (SC). PF is generally assessed by cognitive fusion (CF), a negative formulated key process of PF. The current study encompasses a cross-sectional design to examine the interplay of mindfulness, CF, SC and symptom severity in SSD. It was hypothesized that mindfulness is negatively correlated with symptom severity, CF mediates the negative relation between mindfulness and symptom severity, and SC moderates the link between mindfulness and CF. In total, 79 persons with SSD were recruited at the Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Correlations, as well as moderated mediation analyses, were performed using the analysis modeling tool PROCESS with total symptom severity and negative symptom severity as outcome variables, measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms Scale (SNS). Results show that the moderated mediation hypothesis was confirmed for negative symptom severity assessed by SNS, however, not for total symptom severity assessed by PANSS. In general, the association between mindfulness and CF was stronger for participants with higher SC scores in our data. Future studies should investigate the relationship between mindfulness, SC, and PF regarding symptom severity in SSD in longitudinal designs while considering the impact on different outcomes and differences regarding assessment tools.

The experiences of patients with multiple sclerosis of self-compassion: A qualitative content analysis.

BackgroundSelf-compassion enhances self-care behavior in patients with multiple sclerosis. This concept has been defined in previous studies; however, in order to effectively enhance it, patients’ perceptions about and experiences with self-compassion should be first understood. Therefore, this study aims to explore the meaning of self-compassion experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis.MethodsThis directed qualitative study was conducted in 2019 in Iran. Twenty-three patients with Multiple sclerosis were selected purposefully and interviewed individually. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis according to Hsieh and Shannon’s method.ResultsSeventy-six primary codes were detected as well as the following eleven categories: self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, over-identification, seeking support, concealment, spiritual resilience, marital life concern, and turning into an example for others. These categories express the characteristics and meaning of self-compassion in patients with multiple sclerosis. Six of the 11 characteristics are in accordance with the theory of Neff’s theory and five are related to patients and the cultural and social arena of the study environment.ConclusionResults of the present study showed that new dimensions of self-compassion were found by exploring multiple sclerosis patients’ experiences, which added to the suggested dimensions of others. This study is promising to nurses and paramedics as it will help them to better identify and to take better care of patients. The result will also help to design a valid tool to measure this issue of patients.

Correlation between self-esteem and self-compassion in patients with multiple sclerosis – a cross-sectional study

Correlation between self-esteem and self-compassion in patients with multiple sclerosis – a cross-sectional study

Why would I want to be more self-compassionate? A qualitative study of the pros and cons to cultivating self-compassion in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Although self-compassion facilitates eating disorder symptom remission, individuals with eating disorders are fearful of developing it and higher fears of self-compassion are associated with poorer treatment outcomes. In-depth exploration of individuals' pros and cons of behaviour change is generally helpful at resolving ambivalence; however, no research has examined the pros and cons individuals with eating disorders perceive to be associated with developing self-compassion, limiting our understanding of their personal experiences when confronted with self-compassion. Given the research suggesting higher resistance to self-compassion development in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), the present study used qualitative methods to gain a deeper understanding of their perceived pros and cons to self-compassion. Thirty-seven women with typical (64%) and atypical (36%) AN signed up for a study on self-help strategies for daily distress. Upon learning that the intervention would entail cultivating self-compassion, they identified their perceived pros and cons of developing self-compassion by typing them out. Thematic analysis was used to extract themes. Three superordinate cons and four superordinate pros of self-compassion emerged. Perceived cons were as follows: self-compassion leading to personal shortcomings; apprehension and doubt about the efficacy of self-compassion; and emotional challenges associated with developing self-compassion. Perceived pros were as follows: improved health; personal development (e.g., growth, coping); improved outlook; and enhanced social relationships. These findings reveal the various advantages and disadvantages that women with AN perceive to be associated with developing self-compassion. Results may help clinicians work more sensitively and effectively when trying to cultivate self-compassion in patients who have AN. This research suggests that patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) perceive various disadvantages to cultivating self-compassion, but also certain advantages. By familiarizing themselves with the pros and cons to self-compassion identified by individuals with AN, clinicians may be able to more effectively listen to and communicate with their patients about ambivalence about self-compassion development. Clinicians may want to listen for and explore concerns in their AN patients that self-compassion will lead to personal shortcomings, fail to be beneficial, and be emotionally challenging. Clinicians may want to listen for and help patients elaborate upon their beliefs about how self-compassion might benefit their outlook, health, personal development, and relationships.

Association between resilience and self-compassion in patients with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, non-inflammatory syndrome characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain and tender points in some body areas. Thus, studies based on fibromyalgia patients' experience are critical, as they end up having a loss in their personal relationships over time, personal chores, self-esteem, security, and motivation to life. The general objective of this study is to investigate the association between resilience and self-compassion in patients with Fibromyalgia. The present research has a quantitative, descriptive, and transversal design. This study will consist of Fibromyalgia patients from the Metropolitan Region of Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil. The sample was composed of 30 participants, over 25 years old, of both sexes, selected for convenience. These participants were invited based on contacts acquired in a social network of Fibromyalgia patients and care services for patients with the syndrome. The instruments used in data collection, all self-reported, were: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Resilience Scale, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Descriptive analyzes were performed, showing the absolute value, the mean, and standard deviation. Association analyzes were also performed using the Spearman test and Linear Regression tests, with a significance level ≤0.05. There was no significant difference between resilience and self-compassion over the study period. The participants presented the resilience variable with values that were found in the expected average. The present study showed a moderate correlation between resilience and self-compassion. The decrease in the impact of fibromyalgia is associated with less use of the problem-solving strategy and an increase in the Mindfulness strategy. Mindfulness is the most apparent component of self-compassion in the study. Therefore, it is possible to identify in this research the low level of the variable resilience in patients with the syndrome.

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for reducing rumination and improving mindfulness and self-compassion in patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Introduction Depression is one of the most important psychiatric disorders, and the rate of recurrence is high. The heavy cost burden of depression is probably due to treatment-resistant depression. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Method The present study was a quasi-experimental study conducted with twenty-four patients with treatment-resistant depression. Participants were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups, an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received MBCT and antidepressants, while the control group received antidepressants only. The Hamilton and Beck Depression Inventory, Self-Compassion Scale, Thought Rumination Scale, and Mindfulness Scale were administered. The treatment program was conducted in eight sessions; with a follow-up period of one month subsequent to treatment termination. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (analysis of variance for repeated measures and Bonferroni's post-hoc test). Results The results showed that MBCT significantly reduced depression and ruminative thinking in the experimental group and also improved mediators such as mindfulness and self-compassion. Patients maintained gains over the one month follow-up period (p < 0.01). Conclusion The present study provides additional evidence for the effectiveness of MBCT for TRD.

Correlation of Stigma with Self-compassion in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Correlation of Stigma with Self-compassion in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Self-compassion in somatoform disorder

‘Third wave’ cognitive-behavioral therapies have given a boost to the study of resilience factors, such as self-compassion. To get an indication of the potential clinical relevance of self-compassion for somatoform disorder, this study examined whether self-compassion in patients with somatoform disorder is lower than in the general population, and whether self-compassion is associated with number of symptoms and health-related quality of life. Two-hundred-and-thirty-six participants with somatoform disorder and 236 subjects from the general population, matched on sex and age, filled out questionnaires regarding self-compassion (SCS), number of symptoms (PSC) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D). The difference in self-compassion between the patient group (Mean 3.53, SD .96) and the general population (Mean 4.16, SD .98) was significant with a medium effect size (d = −.65). Multiple regression analyses showed that having a somatoform disorder and low self-compassion were independently associated with number of symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life. The lower level of self-compassion in somatoform disorder and its association with more physical symptoms and lower health-related quality of life, indicate that self-compassion is a potential clinically relevant factor that may influence therapy outcome and that can be a therapeutic target in patients with somatoform disorder.

The Relationships Between Self-Compassion, Attachment and Interpersonal Problems in Clinical Patients with Mixed Anxiety and Depression and Emotional Distress

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.

Embodying self-compassion within virtual reality and its effects on patients with depression.

BackgroundSelf-criticism is a ubiquitous feature of psychopathology and can be combatted by increasing levels of self-compassion. However, some patients are resistant to self-compassion.AimsTo investigate whether the effects of self-identification with virtual bodies within immersive virtual reality could be exploited to increase self-compassion in patients with depression.MethodWe developed an 8-minute scenario in which 15 patients practised delivering compassion in one virtual body and then experienced receiving it from themselves in another virtual body.ResultsIn an open trial, three repetitions of this scenario led to significant reductions in depression severity and self-criticism, as well as to a significant increase in self-compassion, from baseline to 4-week follow-up. Four patients showed clinically significant improvement.ConclusionsThe results indicate that interventions using immersive virtual reality may have considerable clinical potential and that further development of these methods preparatory to a controlled trial is now warranted.Declaration of interestNone.Copyright and usage© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence.

Low self-compassion in patients with bipolar disorder

BackgroundEmerging research suggests that low self-compassion may be linked to psychopathology and in particular depressive symptoms. To further elucidate this topic, the present study investigated self-compassion in patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD). MethodThirty remitted BD patients were compared to thirty age- and sex matched controls on the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). The BD patients also completed the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM), the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI-10) and further reported their illness history on a survey sheet. ResultsThe BD patients were found to have significantly lower self-compassion than controls. In addition, self-compassion correlated positively and significantly with life-satisfaction but no significant correlations with functional impairment, internalized stigma or frequency of past affective episodes were found. LimitationsThe small sample size entailed reduced statistical power. ConclusionsBy suggesting that self-compassion is reduced and possibly linked to life-satisfaction in BD, the findings highlight a potential vulnerability meriting further investigations.

Self-Compassion in Patients With Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain: Relationship of Self-Compassion to Adjustment to Persistent Pain

ContextSelf-compassion entails qualities such as kindness and understanding toward oneself in difficult circumstances and may influence adjustment to persistent pain. Self-compassion may be a particularly influential factor in pain adjustment for obese individuals who suffer from persistent pain, as they often experience heightened levels of pain and lower levels of psychological functioning. ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of self-compassion to pain, psychological functioning, pain coping, and disability among patients who have persistent musculoskeletal pain and who are obese. MethodsEighty-eight obese patients with persistent pain completed a paper-and-pencil self-report assessment measure before or after their appointment with their anesthesiologist. ResultsHierarchical linear regression analyses demonstrated that even after controlling for important demographic variables, self-compassion was a significant predictor of negative affect (β=−0.48, P<0.001), positive affect (β=0.29, P=0.01), pain catastrophizing (β=−0.32, P=0.003), and pain disability (β=−0.24, P<0.05). ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that self-compassion may be important in explaining the variability in pain adjustment among patients who have persistent musculoskeletal pain and are obese.

The relationship between activating affects, inhibitory affects, and self-compassion in patients with Cluster C personality disorders.

In the short-term dynamic psychotherapy model termed "Affect Phobia Treatment," it is assumed that increase in patients' defense recognition, decrease in inhibitory affects (e.g., anxiety, shame, guilt), and increase in the experience of activating affects (e.g., sadness, anger, closeness) are related to enhanced self-compassion across therapeutic approaches. The present study aimed to test this assumption on the basis of data from a randomized controlled trial, which compared a 40-session short-term dynamic psychotherapy (N = 25) with 40-session cognitive treatment (N = 25) for outpatients with Cluster C personality disorders. Patients' defense recognition, inhibitory affects, activating affects, and self-compassion were rated with the Achievement of Therapeutic Objectives Scale (McCullough et al., 2003b) in Sessions 6 and 36. Results showed that increase in self-compassion from early to late in therapy significantly predicted pre- to post-decrease in psychiatric symptoms, interpersonal problems, and personality pathology. Decrease in levels of inhibitory affects and increase in levels of activating affects during therapy were significantly associated with higher self-compassion toward the end of treatment. Increased levels of defense recognition did not predict higher self-compassion when changes in inhibitory and activating affects were statistically controlled for. There were no significant interaction effects with type of treatment. These findings support self-compassion as an important goal of psychotherapy and indicate that increase in the experience of activating affects and decrease in inhibitory affects seem to be worthwhile therapeutic targets when working to enhance self-compassion in patients with Cluster C personality disorders.