Self-Compassion Scale Research Articles

Self-compassion moderates the relationship between neuroticism and depression in junior high school students.

Neuroticism, an emotion-related personality trait, is often associated with a greater susceptibility to depression. On the other hand, self-compassion involves treating oneself in a peaceful, mindful, and friendly manner, particularly in the face of failure or frustration. The study investigated the relationship between neuroticism and depression in junior high school students, as well as the moderating role of self-compassion. A total of 757 junior high school students participated in the survey, which included the Children's Depression Inventory, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised, Short Scale for Chinese, and the Chinese version of the Self-Compassion Scale. The results revealed that neuroticism positively predicted depression, while self-compassion had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between neuroticism and depression. Specifically, higher levels of self-compassion were associated with a weaker link between neuroticism and depression. These findings suggest that interventions promoting self-compassion may be beneficial for students exhibiting neurotic tendencies.

Experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, and body-checking among women during pregnancy and postpartum: Buffering effect of self-compassion.

The present study attempted to explore the psychological experiences of experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, self-compassion and body-checking during two stages of maternity (pregnancy and postpartum) among women embracing maternity for the first time. The study used a cross sectional correlational design and enrolled 306 women participants who were in their third trimester of pregnancy or of postpartum (pregnant = 154 [50.3%]; postpartum = 152 [49.7%]) with ages ranging between 20 and 35 years (M = 26.62; SD = 2.19). The data was collected using the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ); Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ); Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ); Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Body-checking Questionnaire (BCQ). Data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21. A significant positive association was observed between experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, and body-checking while self-compassion showed reverse association with these variables. The body-checking outcome was significantly negatively predicted by self-compassionate attitude and positively by thought suppression in both groups (i.e., pregnant and postpartum). The experiential avoidance positively predicted body-checking among women in post-partum group only. Moreover, a mediating association of experiential avoidance and a moderating effect of self-compassion (self-kindness and common humanity) and meta-cognition (positive beliefs about worry and need to control thought) were also observed to moderate between thought suppression and body-checking outcomes. The study concluded that experiential avoidance and thought suppression contribute in developing body-checking behaviors among women who are pregnant or at postpartum stage of maternity. In addition, self-compassion and meta-cognition moderate this association with self-compassion playing potential buffer.

성인 초기 대상자의 내현적 자기애와 대인관계문제의 관계

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine whether self-compassion and self-silencing had mediating effects on the relationship between covert narcissism and interpersonal problems. Methods The participants in this study were 454 early adults between the ages of 18 and 39 years. They were asked to complete the self-report questionnaires: Covert Narcissism Scale(CNS), Short Form of the KIIP Circumplex scales(KIIP-SC), Silencing The Self Scale(STSS), and the Korean version of the Self-Compassion Scale(K-SCS). Results First, covert narcissism, interpersonal problems, self-compassion and self-silencing all showed sig-nificant correlations. Covert narcissism, self-silencing, and interpersonal problems all showed positive relation-ships, Self-compassion showed negative relationships with the other three variables. Second, the mediation ef-fect of self-silencing between covert narcissism and interpersonal problems was significant, but not the media-tion effect of self-compassion. Third, in the relationship between covert narcissism and interpersonal problems, self-compassion and self-silencing showed dual mediating effects. Conclusions Finally, the clinical implications and limitations of this study were discussed.

The relationship between personality, self-compassion, and social interest levels of psychological counsellor candidates

ABSTRACT A cross-sectional research design was used to examine the relationship between personality, self-compassion and social interest levels of 351 psychological counsellor candidates. Data were collected with the Personality Test of Adjectives, the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, and the Social Interest Index. Correlation and regression analyses were used to analyze data. A moderately negative relationship was found between self-compassion and neuroticism, while a moderately positive relationship was found between extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness, and a low-level positive relationship was found between agreeableness. While a moderate negative relationship was observed between social interest and neuroticism, a moderate positive relationship was found between extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and responsibility. Personality explained 47.6% of the variance regarding self-compassion and 42.2% of the variance regarding social interest.

PREDIKSI SELF-COMPASSION TERHADAP PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS PADA MAHASISWA YANG SEDANG MENYUSUN SKRIPSI

College students are required to complete their final thesis during their last year of study. While working on their thesis, students encounter various challenges such as finding a suitable title, limited reading sources, time constraints, and other obstacles. These challenges contribute to psychological distress among students. If students are unable to overcome distress, problems could arise, such as sleep difficulties, decreased self-esteem, neglect of self-care, and even suicidal tendencies. Hence, self-compassion is essential in overcoming psychological distress. Final year students require self-compassion to face their challenges and maintain emotional balance. This study aims to see the role of self-compassion in predicting psychological distress among final year students who are working on their thesis. The method used in this research is quantitative method. Convenience sampling was utilized to select a total of three hundred and eleven final year students for the study. Participants filled out the Self-Compassion Scale and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Data is then analyzed by simple linear regression model. Results show that self-compassion can significantly predict psychological distress in final year students working on their thesis. Further test results revealed that there is a significant negative correlation between the five aspects of self-compassion with psychological distress. The implications of this research suggests self-compassion can serve as a coping and emotional regulation strategy for final year students working on their thesis. As a result, mental health practitioners can develop interventions based on self-compassion tailored for those students.

Improved Soft-Skill Competencies of ABA Professionals Following Training and Coaching: A Feasibility Study

The field of applied behavior analysis currently faces critique regarding the need for increased compassion and interprofessional collaboration training toward culturally and emotionally responsive practice. Mindful self-compassion is evidenced to improve self-compassion and compassion. The purpose of the current study was to improve soft-skill competencies in collaboration and compassion of behavior analytic professionals. In this feasibility study, two cohorts of American behavior analytic professionals (N = 24) received a 4-month training-and-coaching sequence, with a pre-program focus group serving as the program’s needs assessment. The Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey and Self-Compassion Scale, Short Form were administered pre- and post-intervention to ascertain program effectiveness, alongside open-ended survey questions. Training included experiential learning opportunities in small groups, with participants practicing self-compassion and collaboration skills. Coaching included additional individual practice opportunities. Pre- and post-whole test scores were significantly different on both instruments, with p set at .05, demonstrating preliminary effectiveness. Significance on paired-sample t-test for the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey whole score fell at <.001, while for the Self-Compassion Scale, Short Form, it fell at .004. While prior studies have demonstrated the need for collaboration and compassion training within the ABA workforce, the current study reports on an implementation procedure to improve upon these skill sets, addressing a noted gap. Furthermore, the current study operationalizes collaboration alongside self-compassion, demonstrating the importance of centering collaborative practice within soft-skill awareness and competency. Future research can incorporate direct measures of these skill sets.

Predictive Model of Anxiety and Depression Perception in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Possible Implications for Clinical Treatment.

To establish a predictive model for the presence of anxiety and depression in MS patients, based on variables such as psychological well-being, functional activity, and prefrontal symptoms. Additionally, this study aimed to propose non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives based on this model. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 64 diagnosed MS patients who underwent functional and cognitive assessments using the following questionnaires and scales: Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), Experiences Questionnaire (EQ), Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI). The model showed an excellent fit to the data and indicated that psychological well-being was the most significant predictor of the criteria (β = -0.83), followed by functional activity (β = -0.18) and prefrontal symptoms (β = 0.15). The latter two are negatively related to psychological well-being (β = -0.16 and β = -0.75, respectively). Low psychological well-being is the variable that most significantly predicts the presence of anxiety and depression in MS patients, followed by functional activity and prefrontal alterations. Interventions based on mindfulness and acceptance are recommended, along with nutritional interventions such as antioxidant-enriched ketogenic diets and moderate group physical exercise.

The role of self-criticism and self-compassion in the development of PTSD among midwives

ObjectiveHealthcare providers might develop emotional distress following direct and indirect exposure to traumatic events. Evidence shows that midwives, who care for women in complicated situations, are often exposed to circumstances that have a potential to lead to a variety of psychological reactions, including symptoms identified with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, the positive-healthy context in which childbirth is mainly perceived raises questions regarding the protective role of personality traits, which are related to processing methods of stress and pain, in the development of PTSD among this unique population. This study aimed to explore the associations between traits such as self-compassion, self-criticism, resilience, cognitive thinking, and pain catastrophizing and PTSD symptoms among Israeli midwives. SettingUsing a quantitative cross-sectional study,123 midwives from ten hospitals in Israel anonymously reported their characteristics and severity of stress and/or PTSD symptoms by filling out the Psychopathy Checklist questionnaire. Analysis of personality traits was performed via the following questionnaires: Self-Compassion Scale - Short Form, Depressive Experiences Questionnaire - Self Criticism, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Additionally, we measured the level of catastrophizing pain by employing the Pain Catastrophizing Scale questionnaire. FindingsMost of the midwives reported existing post-trauma symptoms, among them 11.38% had been diagnosed with PTSD. Severity of the PTSD correlated with their self-criticism and the pain catastrophizing rates. Additional examination of the involvement of personality traits showed that midwives with high self-criticism, low mental resilience, besides a high rate of pain catastrophizing, were more vulnerable to developing PTSD. ConclusionsThe findings can help to refine the understanding regarding the involvement of midwives' personality characteristics in the process of PTSD onset. Vulnerable midwives have been identified as those at risk to develop PTSD symptoms. Implications for practiceThe clinical significance of these insights is to promote the ability to identify midwives who are at risk to develop PTSD. Furthermore, this information might help to produce training programs and a support network to empower self-compassion and mental resilience, and to minimize self-criticism in order establish a support network, which would help to deal with the difficult experiences they face at work.

Mental Health in Swiss Veterinary Medicine Students: Variables Associated with Depression Scores.

Mental health and wellbeing in veterinary students have become an important area of study, given the high levels of mental distress compared to other professions. Although research has identified poor mental health of veterinary students, few studies have examined positive factors such as self-compassion, which can have a favorable effect on mental health. The aim of this study was to examine self-reported symptoms of depression and factors influencing this construct, such as loneliness, self-compassion, and various demographic aspects in Swiss veterinary students. A sample of 374 Swiss veterinary students completed online measures including a demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R), a short form of the University of California Loneliness Scale (UCLA-9), and the short form of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF). Results showed that 54.3% of the students were above the CESD-R cut-off score for depression, indicating a higher likelihood to suffer from depression. Results from the backward selection linear regression showed loneliness to be a risk factor, while self-compassion and rural upbringing were protective of depression. Findings suggest that Swiss veterinary students are highly burdened and may benefit from interventions aimed at reducing loneliness and improving self-compassion.

Evaluating multidimensional facets of the maternal experience after preterm birth

ObjectiveDescribe self-relating (self-criticism, self-compassion) and parenting competence (satisfaction, self-efficacy) in mothers of children born preterm, and their associations with child characteristics, maternal sociodemographics at childbirth, and maternal concurrent well-being.Study designThe sample comprised 1926 biological mothers of 3- to18-year-old children born preterm with self-ratings on the standardized Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Parenting Sense of Competence Scale.ResultsMothers of children in early childhood reported significantly (p < 0.05) lower self-compassion than in middle childhood and adolescence. They also reported significantly lower parenting satisfaction than mothers of adolescents and higher self-efficacy than their middle childhood counterparts. Maternal psychosocial well-being was most strongly associated with self-compassion, parenting satisfaction, and self-efficacy after accounting for maternal psychopathology, child gestation, and child age.ConclusionLonger-term associations of preterm birth with maternal self-relating and parenting competence emphasize broadening the scope of neonatal follow-up services, extending beyond child neurodevelopmental surveillance and postpartum psychopathology screening.

Pengaruh Self-Compassion terhadap Korban Bullying Pada Siswa SMA Negeri 14 Semarang

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of self-compassion on bullying victims among students at SMA Negeri 14 Semarang. This research uses a quantitative ex post facto design approach. The population in this study was 287 students. The research sample consisted of 287 class X students taken using probability sampling techniques. The data collection tools used were the self-compassion scale and the bullying victim scale. The validity test results of the self-compassion scale are in the range 0.176 – 0.776 and the bullying victim scale is in the range 0.170 – 0.760. The reliability test results of the self-compassion scale had a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.944 and the bullying victim scale had a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.909, both of which were included in the strong category. Based on these results, both scales can be said to be valid and reliable. This research uses multiple regression testing techniques as a data analysis technique. The self-compassion variable is in the medium category (M = 81,25; SD = 9,10) and the bullying victim variable is in the medium category (M = 100,33; SD = 9,51). The results of this study show that self-compassion has an effect on victims of bullying among students at SMA Negeri 14 Semarang. Self-compassion explains that it has an influence of 33,6% (R2 =.336). The results of this research have implications for guidance and counseling in carrying out prevention and alleviation functions for students who are victims of bullying and have traumatic impacts from acts of bullying behavior at school.

Empathy, self-compassion, and depression correlations among health professionals in Northern Greece.

Aim: To study and record the level of empathy and self-compassion of the medical and nursing staff of a general hospital in North Greece, and to investigate their connection to depression levels.. Materials and Methods: The study sample consists of 88 people (66 women and 22 men), medical and nursing staff of the General Hospital of Kavala (northern Greece) who filled out a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 4 parts: 1) socio-demographic data; 2) the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ); 3) Self- Compassion Scale (SCS), and 4) the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). For the statistical processing of the data, SPSS v.25 software was used. Results: The mean total value for TEQ indicates moderate high level of empathy (M = 40.5). For self-compassion the mean total value for SCS was moderate (M = 82.6) and the BDI shows a low level of depression (M = 28.7). A high level of empathy corresponds to a high level of self-compassion (ρ(88) = 0.263, p = 0013). Older ages correspond to a lower level of depression (ρ(88) = -0.218, p = .042). Conclusions: Empathy is a key factor for the creation of the therapeutic relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider, while increasing the level of the health provider's self-compassion. Increased levels of self-compassion and older age among providers may correspond to lower levels of depression.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Self-Compassion and Experiential Avoidance in Women Who Have Experienced Marital Infidelity

Objective: Marital infidelity is one of the most significant threats to the stability of marital relationships and a leading cause of divorce across various cultures. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on self-compassion and experiential avoidance in women who have experienced marital infidelity. Methods: The current research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design, involving experimental and control groups and a three-month follow-up. All women who had experienced marital infidelity and attended psychotherapy and counseling clinics in Tehran during the year 2021-2022 constituted the statistical population of this study, from which 30 were selected via convenience sampling based on the inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two equal groups of 15. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003) and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - Second Version (Bond et al., 2007). Participants in the experimental group received 8 sessions of intervention. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance with SPSS version 26. Findings: The mean self-compassion score and its dimensions in the experimental group significantly improved post-intervention compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Cognitive-behavioral therapy was beneficial in reducing experiential avoidance in the experimental group, unlike the control group (p &lt; 0.05). The effects of this therapeutic program on dependent variables continued during the three-month follow-up period (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral exercises can be used as an effective intervention method to improve the cognitive-emotional status of women who have experienced marital infidelity.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy in Improving Distress Tolerance and Self-Compassion in Women with Experiences of Marital Infidelity

Objective: Distress tolerance and self-compassion play a significant role in mitigating the harm caused by the experience of infidelity. This study compares the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT) in improving distress tolerance and self-compassion among women who have experienced marital infidelity. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design with a control group. The study population included women who had experienced infidelity by their spouse and sought counseling and psychotherapy services in Tehran in the year 2021. From this population, using purposive sampling, 45 women were selected based on the study's criteria and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (15 per group). The first experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy, and the second received compassion-focused therapy. The control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons &amp; Gaher, 2005) and the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and SPSS software version 22. Findings: The results showed that both distress tolerance and self-compassion scores in the cognitive-behavioral and compassion-focused therapy groups were higher in the post-test compared to the pre-test (p&lt;0.01). Furthermore, a comparison of the two experimental groups revealed no significant difference in scores of distress tolerance and self-compassion between the groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both cognitive-behavioral therapy and compassion-focused therapy were equally effective in improving distress tolerance and self-compassion among women.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Experiential Avoidance, Self-Compassion, and Physiological Indices in Women with Breast Cancer

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of mindfulness training on experiential avoidance, self-compassion, and certain physiological indices in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Method: This applied research was conducted as a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and control group design. The population included all women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer who were under medical care after completing chemotherapy or radiotherapy at Shahid Tajrish Hospital in 2020-2021. A convenience sampling method was used to select 40 female breast cancer patients, who were equally divided into an experimental group (20 participants) and a control group (20 participants). Data were collected using the Neff's Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003), the Bond et al.'s Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (2011), and physiological indices. Mindfulness training, based on the protocol by Lengacher et al. (2019), consisted of 8 sessions of 90 minutes each for the experimental group, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis. Findings: The results indicated that mindfulness training significantly increased self-compassion (F = 6.35, p &lt; .05) and decreased experiential avoidance (F = 4.75, p &lt; .05) in women with breast cancer. Additionally, the training significantly reduced cortisol levels (F = 7.38, p &lt; .05), but did not have a significant effect on the concentrations of IL-6 (F = 0.83, p &gt; .05) and CRP (F = 0.04, p &gt; .05). Conclusion: Considering the current findings, it can be said that mindfulness training is effective in improving the psychological condition and reducing stress in women with breast cancer.

The Effectiveness of Group Psychodrama on Life Satisfaction, Self-Compassion, and Positive Emotions in Depressed Patients

Background and Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group psychodrama on improving life satisfaction, self-compassion, and positive affects in depressed patients. Given the complexity of depression and the need for multifaceted treatment approaches, this research aimed to provide empirical evidence on the efficacy of psychodrama as a therapeutic intervention. Methods and Materials: This study employed a randomized controlled trial design. The sample consisted of 30 depressed patients selected from a clinic in Tehran and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=15) receiving group psychodrama therapy or the control group (n=15) receiving no intervention. The intervention comprised ten 75-minute sessions conducted over five months. Data were collected using standardized tools: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with the software SPSS-27. Findings: The results indicated a significant improvement in life satisfaction, self-compassion, and positive affects among participants in the experimental group compared to the control group. Specifically, life satisfaction scores increased from a mean of 19.43 (SD=3.67) at pre-test to 26.89 (SD=3.21) at post-test and 25.73 (SD=3.45) at follow-up. Self-compassion scores rose from 18.24 (SD=2.98) to 24.13 (SD=2.67) at post-test and 23.35 (SD=2.89) at follow-up. Positive affect scores also showed a significant increase from 21.57 (SD=3.11) to 28.74 (SD=3.01) at post-test and 27.89 (SD=3.19) at follow-up. The ANOVA results confirmed significant effects for group, time, and the interaction between group and time (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The findings support the efficacy of group psychodrama in enhancing life satisfaction, self-compassion, and positive affects in depressed patients. These improvements were sustained over a five-month follow-up period, suggesting that psychodrama can be a valuable therapeutic approach for depression. Future research should explore long-term effects and compare psychodrama with other therapeutic modalities.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Group Counseling Using Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Self-Compassion in Mothers

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group counseling using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on self-compassion among mothers of educable children. Methods and Materials: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a control group, utilizing a pre-test and post-test design with a control group and a 5-month follow-up period. The sampling method was simple random sampling. The statistical population consisted of 407 mothers of educable exceptional students, from which 36 participants were selected using random numbers and divided into three groups. The Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003) was used as the assessment tool. Data analysis was conducted using covariance analysis to compare the means. SPSS software (version 22) was used for data analysis. Findings: The results showed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy had an impact of 59.6% and 27.9%, respectively, on increasing self-compassion compared to the control group (F = 106.891, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study demonstrated that both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) effectively increase self-compassion in mothers of educable children, with ACT showing a greater impact. These findings highlight the potential of ACT and MBCT as effective interventions for enhancing psychological well-being in this population.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Psychological Distress Syndromes, Rumination, and Self-Compassion in Students with Psychological Distress

Objective: The current research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on psychological distress syndromes, rumination, and self-compassion in students experiencing psychological distress. Methods and Materials: This study was applied in nature and employed a quasi-experimental design, specifically a pretest-posttest control group design with a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of all female medical science students in Tehran during the academic year 2020-2021, from which 30 individuals were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned into two groups of 15 (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group). Data were collected using the Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, the Nolen-Hoeksema and Morrow (1993) Rumination Scale, and the Neff (2003) Self-Compassion Scale. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy sessions were conducted in 8 weekly 90-minute group sessions. Data were analyzed through analysis of variance. Findings: The results of the data analysis indicated that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy was effective in reducing rumination, psychological distress syndromes, and in increasing self-compassion among students in the experimental group experiencing psychological distress, compared to the control group students who also experienced psychological distress. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, health professionals can use Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to improve rumination, psychological distress syndromes, and self-compassion among students experiencing psychological distress.

Self-compassion, Job-related Wellbeing, Perceived Stress, Happiness and Depression, and Anxiety Symptoms in 6 Cases of Senior Managers of Human Resources or Organizational Development

Introduction: Recent studies suggest that compassion, particularly self-compassion, is often perceived as contrary to effective leadership and organizational success, that self-compassion, which impacts emotion regulation through the acceptance of negative emotions, may be an adaptive strategy for managing stress and benefit for resilience at work, and that self-compassion is associated with happiness and inversely related to anxiety and depression. This can be taken together with the importance of job-related affective well-being, where low LPLA (Low Pleasurable Low Arousal emotions) and high LPHA (Low Pleasurable High Arousal emotions) can correlate to depression, anxiety, and stress. The following self-report questionnaires were used: the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF), the Job-Related Affective Well-Being scale (JAWS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10), the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-10). The aims of this case series are to assess these components in six senior managers of human resources or organizational development, to understand their interconnections, and to compare the results with previous studies. Results and discussion: The six cases’ configurations of scores (age 46-67, 4 female, 2 male) for self-compassion, job-related wellbeing, perceived stress, happiness, depression/anxiety symptoms, vary widely. Five out of six cases in this case study have higher levels of perceived stress than the norms established by previous research. The youngest among the cases is case 5 and exhibits the highest stress levels, the highest depression/anxiety levels, and a high self-compassion level simultaneously. One case has severe depression/anxiety levels, and two cases have moderate levels of depression/anxiety. Four out of six cases have high levels of self-compassion. All six cases exhibit strong negative emotional reactions to their job and level of overall job-related affective well-being is low. The six cases in this study show the same trends outlined in the previous research: (1) self-compassion is associated with happiness and (2) self-compassion is inversely related to anxiety and depression, (3) anxiety and depression are inversely related to happiness,(4) perceived stress is negatively correlated with self-compassion (in turn that self-compassion could protect against stress, and (5) low LPLA and high LPHA levels corelate to depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: Timely awareness among managers of their levels of self-compassion, job-related well-being, perceived stress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety can be valuable in preventing the escalation of stress and the deterioration of mental health. By recognizing and addressing these factors early, managers may mitigate negative emotional outcomes, thereby fostering a healthier work environment and improving overall job satisfaction and performance.

The Mediating Role of Resilience and Self-Compassion in the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Psychological Distress with Marital Adjustment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of resilience and self-compassion in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological distress with marital adjustment among individuals attending counseling centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This research was conducted using a descriptive-correlational methodology through the structural equation modeling approach. The population included all individuals with marital discord attending private counseling centers in Isfahan during the winter of 2021, who were experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 150 people were selected through convenience sampling and responded to the research instruments. Research Instruments: The instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler et al., 2003), the Spanier Marital Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976), the Self-Compassion Scale by Neff et al. (2011), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor &amp; Davidson, 2003), and the Perceived COVID-19 Stress Scale by Campo-Arias et al. (2020). Data were analyzed using PLS software and structural equation modeling. Findings: The results indicated that the effect of stress on resilience was significant (t=7.61), stress on self-compassion (t=3.91), resilience on adjustment (t=9.34), compassion on marital adjustment (t=2.09), psychological distress on resilience (t=5.4), and psychological distress on self-compassion (t=2.56) were significant (p≤0.05), and resilience and self-compassion played mediating roles between the variables. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, reducing perceived stress and psychological distress impacts increasing resilience and self-compassion, and with the enhancement of self-compassion and resilience, marital adjustment improves.