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Self-Compassion Focused Writing Practices: A Systematic Review

Year 2022, Volume: 14 Issue: 4, 526 - 544, 27.12.2022
https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1077952

Abstract

In the current systematic review study, it is focused on examining the interventions of 'self-compassion-focused writing', which is a method that combines the concept of self-compassion, which has gained attention in the psychology literature in recent years, and the Written Emotional Disclosure Paradigm which is based on expressing emotions by writing. For this purpose, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, EbscoHost and DergiPark databases were searched through various keywords. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, 31 studies determined to be fit for purpose were examined in terms of sample characteristics, methodology and results. It was observed that the studies were generally conducted with college students and predominantly female, the results were compared with the active intervention groups, random assignment was made to the groups, and repeated measurements were taken. Generally, it has been determined that self-compassion-focused writing provides positive changes on psychological (depression, positive/negative affect), body-related (body satisfaction, body image) and physical (pain) variables. In the reviewed studies, it was concluded that self-compassion-focused writing generally tended to produce stronger positive results compared to active control groups (traditional writing, self-esteem-based writing). Besides, it was observed that the positive changes obtained in studies that carried out follow-up evaluations tended to continue partially. The results show that self-compassion-focused writing is a promising method.

References

  • Barbeau K, Guertin C, Boileau K, Pelletier L (2022) The effects of self-compassion and self-esteem writing interventions on women’s valuation of weight management goals, body appreciation, and eating behaviors. Psychol Women Q, 46:82-98.
  • Baum ES, Rude SS (2013) Acceptance-enhanced expressive writing prevents symptoms in participants with low initial depression. Cognit Ther Res, 37:35-42.
  • DeLury SS, Poulin MJ (2018) Self-compassion and verbal performance: evidence for threat-buffering and implicit self-related thoughts. Self Identity, 17:710-722.
  • Dupasquier JR, Kelly AC, Moscovitch DA, Vidovic V (2020) Cultivating self-compassion promotes disclosure of experiences that threaten self-esteem. Cognit Ther Res, 44:108-119.
  • Gallagher MW, Long LJ, Tsai W, Stanton AL, Lu Q (2018) The unexpected impact of expressive writing on posttraumatic stress and growth in Chinese American breast cancer survivors. J Clin Psychol, 74:1673-1686.
  • Gobin KC, McComb SE, Mills JS (2022) Testing a self-compassion micro-intervention before appearance-based social media use: implications for body image. Body Image, 40:200-206.
  • Frattaroli J (2006) Experimental disclosure and its moderators: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull, 132:823-865.
  • Frayne A, Wade TD (2006) A comparison of written emotional expression and planning with respect to bulimic symptoms and associated psychopathology. Eur Eat Disord Rev, 14:329-340.
  • Harwood EM, Kocovski NL (2017) Self-compassion induction reduces anticipatory anxiety among socially anxious students. Mindfulness, 8:1544-1551.
  • Heekerens JB, Eid M, Heinitz K, Merkle B (2022) Cognitive‐affective responses to online positive‐psychological interventions: the effects of optimistic, grateful, and self‐compassionate writing. Appl Psychol Health Well Being, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12326
  • Imrie S, Troop NA (2012) A pilot study on the effects and feasibility of compassion-focused expressive writing in day hospice patients. Palliat Support Care, 10:115-122.
  • Johnson EA, O'Brien KA (2013) Self-compassion soothes the savage ego-threat system: effects on negative affect, shame, rumination, and depressive symptoms. J Soc Clin Psychol, 32:939-963.
  • Kállay É (2015) Physical and psychological benefits of written emotional expression. Eur Psychol, 20:242–251.
  • Kelly AC, Carter JC (2015) Self‐compassion training for binge eating disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Psychology and psychotherapy. Theory Rec Pract, 88:285-303.
  • Kelly AC, Waring SV (2018) A feasibility study of a 2‐week self‐compassionate letter‐writing intervention for nontreatment seeking individuals with typical and atypical anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord, 51:1005-1009.
  • Kreemers LM, van Hooft EA, van Vianen AE, Sisouw de Zilwa S (2020) Testing a self-compassion intervention among job seekers: self-compassion beneficially impacts affect through reduced self-criticism. Front Psychol, 11:1371-1385.
  • Leary MR, Tate EB, Adams CE, Batts-Allen A, Hancock J (2007) Self-compassion and reactions to unpleasant self-relevant events: the implications of treating oneself kindly. J Pers Soc Psychol, 92:887-904.
  • Lim N (2016) Cultural differences in emotion: differences in emotional arousal level between the east and the west. Integr Med Res, 5:105-109.
  • Mak WW, Tong AC, Yip SY, Lui WW, Chio FH, Chan AT, Wong CC (2018) Efficacy and moderation of mobile app–based programs for mindfulness-based training, self-compassion training, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation on mental health: randomized controlled noninferiority trial. JMIR Ment Health, 5:85-97.
  • Makadi E, Koszycki D (2020) Exploring connections between self-compassion, mindfulness, and social anxiety. Mindfulness, 11:480-492.
  • Mendes WB, Reis HT, Seery MD, Blascovich J (2003) Cardiovascular correlates of emotional expression and suppression: do content and gender context matter? J Pers Soc Psychol, 84:771-792.
  • Merz EL, Fox RS, Malcarne VL (2014) Expressive writing interventions in cancer patients: a systematic review. Health Psychol Rev, 8:339-361.
  • Mifsud A, Pehlivan MJ, Fam P, O’Grady M, van Steensel A, Elder E et al. (2021) Feasibility and pilot study of a brief self-compassion intervention addressing body image distress in breast cancer survivors. Health Psychol Behav Med, 9:498-526.
  • Moffitt RL, Neumann DL, Williamson SP (2018) Comparing the efficacy of a brief self-esteem and self-compassion intervention for state body dissatisfaction and self-improvement motivation. Body Image, 27:67-76.
  • Moher D, Shamseer L, Clarke M, Ghersi D, Liberati A, Petticrew M et al. (2015) Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (prisma-p) 2015 statement. Syst Rev, 4:1-9.
  • Mosewich AD, Crocker PR, Kowalski KC, DeLongis A (2013) Applying self-compassion in sport: an intervention with women athletes. J Sport Exerc Psychol, 35:514-524.
  • Mosher CE, DuHamel KN, Lam J, Dickler M, Li Y, Massie MJ, Norton L (2012) Randomised trial of expressive writing for distressed metastatic breast cancer patients. Psychol Health, 27:88-100.
  • Neff K (2003) Self-compassion: an alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self Identity, 2:85-101.
  • Odou N, Brinker J (2014) Exploring the relationship between rumination, self-compassion, and mood. Self Identity, 13:449-459.
  • Odou N, Brinker J (2015) Self-compassion, a better alternative to rumination than distraction as a response to negative mood. J Posit Psychol, 10:447-457.
  • Pennebaker JW (1995) Emotion, Disclosure, & Health, American Psychological Association, Washington DC.
  • Pennebaker JW, Chung CK (2007) Expressive Writing, Emotional Upheavals, and Health, New York, Oxford University Press.
  • Pennebaker JW, Beall SK (1986) Confronting a traumatic event: toward an understanding of inhibition and disease. J Abnorm Psychol, 95:274-281.
  • Przezdziecki A, Sherman KA (2016) Modifying affective and cognitive responses regarding body image difficulties in breast cancer survivors using a self-compassion-based writing intervention. Mindfulness, 7:1142-1155.
  • Reis NA, Kowalski KC, Ferguson LJ, Sabiston CM, Sedgwick WA, Crocker PR (2015) Self-compassion and women athletes' responses to emotionally difficult sport situations: an evaluation of a brief induction. Psychol Sport Exerc, 16:18-25.
  • Röthlin P, Leiggener R (2021) Self-compassion to decrease performance anxiety in climbers: a randomized control trial. CISS, 6:004.
  • Seekis V, Bradley GL, Duffy A (2017) The effectiveness of self-compassion and self-esteem writing tasks in reducing body image concerns. Body Image, 23:206-213.
  • Seligowski AV, Miron LR, Orcutt HK (2015) Relations among self-compassion, PTSD symptoms, and psychological health in a trauma-exposed sample. Mindfulness, 6:1033-1041.
  • Shapira LB, Mongrain M (2010) The benefits of self-compassion and optimism exercises for individuals vulnerable to depression. J Posit Psychol, 5:377-389.
  • Sherman KA, Przezdziecki A, Alcorso J, Kilby CJ, Elder E, Boyages J et al. (2018) Reducing body image–related distress in women with breast cancer using a structured online writing exercise: results from my changed body randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol, 36:1930-1940.
  • Sherman KA, Roper T, Kilby CJ (2019) Enhancing self-compassion in individuals with visible skin conditions: randomized pilot of the ‘my changed body’ self-compassion writing intervention. Health Psychol Behav Med, 7:62-77.
  • Stern NG, Engeln R (2018) Self-compassionate writing exercises increase college women’s body satisfaction. Psychol Women Q, 42:326-341.
  • Urken D, LeCroy CW (2021) A randomized controlled trial of a self-compassion writing intervention for adults with mental illness. Res Soc Work Pract, 31:254-266.
  • Werner KH, Jazaieri H, Goldin PR, Ziv M, Heimberg RG, Gross JJ (2012) Self-compassion and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety Stress Coping, 25:543-558.
  • Williamson J, Blackhart GC (2021) Efficacy of guided versus self-induced learning of web-based self-compassionate journaling by college students. Am J Psychol, 134:45-59.
  • Wong CC, Mak WW (2016) Writing can heal: effects of self-compassion writing among hong kong chinese college students. Asian Am J Psychol, 7:74-82.
  • Zabelina DL, Robinson MD (2010) Don't be so hard on yourself: Self-compassion facilitates creative originality among self-judgmental individuals. Creat Res J, 22:288-293.
  • Ziemer KS, Fuhrmann A, Hoffman MA (2015) Effectiveness of a positive writing intervention for chronic pain: a randomized trial. Myopain, 23:143-154.
  • Ziemer KS, Lamphere BR, Raque-Bogdan TL, Schmidt CK (2019) A randomized controlled study of writing interventions on college women’s positive body image. Mindfulness, 10:66-77.

Öz-Şefkat Odaklı Yazma Uygulamaları: Sistematik Derleme

Year 2022, Volume: 14 Issue: 4, 526 - 544, 27.12.2022
https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1077952

Abstract

Mevcut sistematik derleme çalışmasında son yıllarda psikoloji alanyazınında ilgi görmeye başlayan öz-şefkat kavramı ile duyguları yazılı olarak ifade etme temeline dayanan Yazılı Duygusal Dışavurum Paradigmasını birleştiren bir yöntem olan ‘öz-şefkat odaklı yazma’ müdahalelerini incelemeye odaklanılmıştır. Bu amaçla ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, EbscoHost ve DergiPark veri tabanları çeşitli anahtar kelimelerle taranmıştır. Araştırmanın dahil etme ve dışlama kriterleri göz önünde bulundurularak amaca uygun olduğu belirlenen 31 çalışma örneklem özellikleri, yöntemi ve sonuçları bakımından incelenmiştir. İncelenen araştırmalarda örneklemin genellikle üniversite öğrencilerinden oluştuğu ve kadın ağırlıklı olduğu, sonuçların aktif müdahale içeren gruplarla kıyaslandığı, gruplara seçkisiz atama yapıldığı ve tekrarlı ölçümlerin alındığı görülmüştür. Araştırmalarda öz-şefkat odaklı yazmanın psikolojik (depresyon, olumlu/olumsuz duygulanım), beden ilişkili (beden memnuniyeti, beden imajı) ve fiziksel (ağrı) değişkenler üzerinde olumlu değişimler sağladığı belirlenmiştir. İncelenen araştırmalarda öz-şefkat odaklı yazmanın genellikle diğer yazma gruplarına (geleneksel yazma, benlik saygısı temelli yazma) kıyasla daha güçlü olumlu sonuçlar yaratma eğiliminde olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca izlem değerlendirmesi yapan araştırmalarda meydana gelen olumlu değişimlerin kısmen devam etme eğiliminde olduğu görülmüştür. Elde edilen sonuçlar öz-şefkat odaklı yazmanın umut veren bir yöntem olduğunu göstermektedir.

References

  • Barbeau K, Guertin C, Boileau K, Pelletier L (2022) The effects of self-compassion and self-esteem writing interventions on women’s valuation of weight management goals, body appreciation, and eating behaviors. Psychol Women Q, 46:82-98.
  • Baum ES, Rude SS (2013) Acceptance-enhanced expressive writing prevents symptoms in participants with low initial depression. Cognit Ther Res, 37:35-42.
  • DeLury SS, Poulin MJ (2018) Self-compassion and verbal performance: evidence for threat-buffering and implicit self-related thoughts. Self Identity, 17:710-722.
  • Dupasquier JR, Kelly AC, Moscovitch DA, Vidovic V (2020) Cultivating self-compassion promotes disclosure of experiences that threaten self-esteem. Cognit Ther Res, 44:108-119.
  • Gallagher MW, Long LJ, Tsai W, Stanton AL, Lu Q (2018) The unexpected impact of expressive writing on posttraumatic stress and growth in Chinese American breast cancer survivors. J Clin Psychol, 74:1673-1686.
  • Gobin KC, McComb SE, Mills JS (2022) Testing a self-compassion micro-intervention before appearance-based social media use: implications for body image. Body Image, 40:200-206.
  • Frattaroli J (2006) Experimental disclosure and its moderators: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull, 132:823-865.
  • Frayne A, Wade TD (2006) A comparison of written emotional expression and planning with respect to bulimic symptoms and associated psychopathology. Eur Eat Disord Rev, 14:329-340.
  • Harwood EM, Kocovski NL (2017) Self-compassion induction reduces anticipatory anxiety among socially anxious students. Mindfulness, 8:1544-1551.
  • Heekerens JB, Eid M, Heinitz K, Merkle B (2022) Cognitive‐affective responses to online positive‐psychological interventions: the effects of optimistic, grateful, and self‐compassionate writing. Appl Psychol Health Well Being, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12326
  • Imrie S, Troop NA (2012) A pilot study on the effects and feasibility of compassion-focused expressive writing in day hospice patients. Palliat Support Care, 10:115-122.
  • Johnson EA, O'Brien KA (2013) Self-compassion soothes the savage ego-threat system: effects on negative affect, shame, rumination, and depressive symptoms. J Soc Clin Psychol, 32:939-963.
  • Kállay É (2015) Physical and psychological benefits of written emotional expression. Eur Psychol, 20:242–251.
  • Kelly AC, Carter JC (2015) Self‐compassion training for binge eating disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Psychology and psychotherapy. Theory Rec Pract, 88:285-303.
  • Kelly AC, Waring SV (2018) A feasibility study of a 2‐week self‐compassionate letter‐writing intervention for nontreatment seeking individuals with typical and atypical anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord, 51:1005-1009.
  • Kreemers LM, van Hooft EA, van Vianen AE, Sisouw de Zilwa S (2020) Testing a self-compassion intervention among job seekers: self-compassion beneficially impacts affect through reduced self-criticism. Front Psychol, 11:1371-1385.
  • Leary MR, Tate EB, Adams CE, Batts-Allen A, Hancock J (2007) Self-compassion and reactions to unpleasant self-relevant events: the implications of treating oneself kindly. J Pers Soc Psychol, 92:887-904.
  • Lim N (2016) Cultural differences in emotion: differences in emotional arousal level between the east and the west. Integr Med Res, 5:105-109.
  • Mak WW, Tong AC, Yip SY, Lui WW, Chio FH, Chan AT, Wong CC (2018) Efficacy and moderation of mobile app–based programs for mindfulness-based training, self-compassion training, and cognitive behavioral psychoeducation on mental health: randomized controlled noninferiority trial. JMIR Ment Health, 5:85-97.
  • Makadi E, Koszycki D (2020) Exploring connections between self-compassion, mindfulness, and social anxiety. Mindfulness, 11:480-492.
  • Mendes WB, Reis HT, Seery MD, Blascovich J (2003) Cardiovascular correlates of emotional expression and suppression: do content and gender context matter? J Pers Soc Psychol, 84:771-792.
  • Merz EL, Fox RS, Malcarne VL (2014) Expressive writing interventions in cancer patients: a systematic review. Health Psychol Rev, 8:339-361.
  • Mifsud A, Pehlivan MJ, Fam P, O’Grady M, van Steensel A, Elder E et al. (2021) Feasibility and pilot study of a brief self-compassion intervention addressing body image distress in breast cancer survivors. Health Psychol Behav Med, 9:498-526.
  • Moffitt RL, Neumann DL, Williamson SP (2018) Comparing the efficacy of a brief self-esteem and self-compassion intervention for state body dissatisfaction and self-improvement motivation. Body Image, 27:67-76.
  • Moher D, Shamseer L, Clarke M, Ghersi D, Liberati A, Petticrew M et al. (2015) Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (prisma-p) 2015 statement. Syst Rev, 4:1-9.
  • Mosewich AD, Crocker PR, Kowalski KC, DeLongis A (2013) Applying self-compassion in sport: an intervention with women athletes. J Sport Exerc Psychol, 35:514-524.
  • Mosher CE, DuHamel KN, Lam J, Dickler M, Li Y, Massie MJ, Norton L (2012) Randomised trial of expressive writing for distressed metastatic breast cancer patients. Psychol Health, 27:88-100.
  • Neff K (2003) Self-compassion: an alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self Identity, 2:85-101.
  • Odou N, Brinker J (2014) Exploring the relationship between rumination, self-compassion, and mood. Self Identity, 13:449-459.
  • Odou N, Brinker J (2015) Self-compassion, a better alternative to rumination than distraction as a response to negative mood. J Posit Psychol, 10:447-457.
  • Pennebaker JW (1995) Emotion, Disclosure, & Health, American Psychological Association, Washington DC.
  • Pennebaker JW, Chung CK (2007) Expressive Writing, Emotional Upheavals, and Health, New York, Oxford University Press.
  • Pennebaker JW, Beall SK (1986) Confronting a traumatic event: toward an understanding of inhibition and disease. J Abnorm Psychol, 95:274-281.
  • Przezdziecki A, Sherman KA (2016) Modifying affective and cognitive responses regarding body image difficulties in breast cancer survivors using a self-compassion-based writing intervention. Mindfulness, 7:1142-1155.
  • Reis NA, Kowalski KC, Ferguson LJ, Sabiston CM, Sedgwick WA, Crocker PR (2015) Self-compassion and women athletes' responses to emotionally difficult sport situations: an evaluation of a brief induction. Psychol Sport Exerc, 16:18-25.
  • Röthlin P, Leiggener R (2021) Self-compassion to decrease performance anxiety in climbers: a randomized control trial. CISS, 6:004.
  • Seekis V, Bradley GL, Duffy A (2017) The effectiveness of self-compassion and self-esteem writing tasks in reducing body image concerns. Body Image, 23:206-213.
  • Seligowski AV, Miron LR, Orcutt HK (2015) Relations among self-compassion, PTSD symptoms, and psychological health in a trauma-exposed sample. Mindfulness, 6:1033-1041.
  • Shapira LB, Mongrain M (2010) The benefits of self-compassion and optimism exercises for individuals vulnerable to depression. J Posit Psychol, 5:377-389.
  • Sherman KA, Przezdziecki A, Alcorso J, Kilby CJ, Elder E, Boyages J et al. (2018) Reducing body image–related distress in women with breast cancer using a structured online writing exercise: results from my changed body randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol, 36:1930-1940.
  • Sherman KA, Roper T, Kilby CJ (2019) Enhancing self-compassion in individuals with visible skin conditions: randomized pilot of the ‘my changed body’ self-compassion writing intervention. Health Psychol Behav Med, 7:62-77.
  • Stern NG, Engeln R (2018) Self-compassionate writing exercises increase college women’s body satisfaction. Psychol Women Q, 42:326-341.
  • Urken D, LeCroy CW (2021) A randomized controlled trial of a self-compassion writing intervention for adults with mental illness. Res Soc Work Pract, 31:254-266.
  • Werner KH, Jazaieri H, Goldin PR, Ziv M, Heimberg RG, Gross JJ (2012) Self-compassion and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety Stress Coping, 25:543-558.
  • Williamson J, Blackhart GC (2021) Efficacy of guided versus self-induced learning of web-based self-compassionate journaling by college students. Am J Psychol, 134:45-59.
  • Wong CC, Mak WW (2016) Writing can heal: effects of self-compassion writing among hong kong chinese college students. Asian Am J Psychol, 7:74-82.
  • Zabelina DL, Robinson MD (2010) Don't be so hard on yourself: Self-compassion facilitates creative originality among self-judgmental individuals. Creat Res J, 22:288-293.
  • Ziemer KS, Fuhrmann A, Hoffman MA (2015) Effectiveness of a positive writing intervention for chronic pain: a randomized trial. Myopain, 23:143-154.
  • Ziemer KS, Lamphere BR, Raque-Bogdan TL, Schmidt CK (2019) A randomized controlled study of writing interventions on college women’s positive body image. Mindfulness, 10:66-77.
There are 49 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Psychology
Journal Section Review
Authors

Burcu Ebru Aydoğdu 0000-0001-7926-1585

Gülay Dirik 0000-0002-5748-9180

Publication Date December 27, 2022
Acceptance Date May 9, 2022
Published in Issue Year 2022 Volume: 14 Issue: 4

Cite

AMA Aydoğdu BE, Dirik G. Self-Compassion Focused Writing Practices: A Systematic Review. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry. December 2022;14(4):526-544. doi:10.18863/pgy.1077952

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