Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This research explores self-compassion and how it contributes to wellbeing. Research\nindicates that self-compassion improves life-satisfaction, reduces inner-judgement,\ncounters burnout, strengthens resilience and motivation for self-care. The aim is to\ninvestigate the process of cultivating self-compassion through engaging in Neff’s theory\nof self-compassion. I wanted to develop practice, identify barriers and any\ntransformative aspects of self-compassion to understand how they could benefit me\npersonally and professionally as a psychologist. There is an absence of personal\nstories from psychologists concerning their experience of occupational hazards,\nburnout and managing self-care.\nMy research draws from a Buddhist perspective and is located within a Buddhist\nPractical Theological paradigm. The research was conducted over one-year taking an\ninductive, first-person approach combining the methods of autoethnography,\njournaling, contemplative practice and critical reflection. Autoethnographic methods\nwere used to gather, analyse and interpret self-reflective material. My research\nrevealed how developing self-compassion reduced my inner-critic, sense of loss, fear,\ndepression and anxiety. It provided healing, acceptance, inner strength, resilience and\nintegration; personally, relationally and in social and environmental activism.\nProfessionally, self-compassion enhanced therapeutic presence and practice.\nResearching self-compassion alongside Buddhist practical theology enriched my\nBuddhist practice and reinforced the relevance of Buddhist praxis to contemporary\nissues.\nThis research shows the power of story to deepen self-understanding, gain new\ninsight, re-story a life and challenge dominant discourses. The methodological\napproach taken provides a valuable model for contemplative practice and research.\nThe research contributes to existing self-compassion research through elucidating the\nprocess from a first-person perspective and has contributed to the field of Buddhist\npractical theology. The capacity of contemplative practice to nourish and integrate\nvalued areas of life was also discovered. As a result of my findings I commend Mindful\nSelf-compassion personally and propose that it becomes integral to professional\ntraining for psychologists and healthcare professionals.
Author: Mary C. Younger
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3036425915