Exploring the Effects of Self-Compassion Development Program for Adolescents on Self-Compassion, Fear of Self-Compassion and Subjective Well-Being

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the Self-Compassion Program prepared by the researcher on adolescents' self-compassion, fear of self-compassion, and subjective well-being. An experimental process of 2x3 (experimental group/control group X pre-test /post-test/follow-up test) was designed to examine the impact of the Self-Compassion Program on dependent variables. The research was conducted with 18 Secondary school students. The sample of the study was created by impartially assigning participants who scored below the group average from preliminary test measurements with the Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale and the Fear of Compassion Scale to the experimental (N= 9) and control (N= 9) groups. A 6-week Self-Compassion Development Program was applied to the participants. The follow-up test was applied 6 weeks after the program ended. According to the results, it was observed that as a result of the 6-week Self-Compassion Program, participants' self-compassion and subjective well-being scores increased while their fear of self-compassion scores decreased. It was found that during this change, the phenomenon of "backdraft" appeared, resulting in an increase in monitoring measurements taken 6 weeks after the end of the Self-Compassion Program.

Keywords

• Self-Compassion
• Fear of Self-Compassion
• Subjective Well-Being
• Adolescence
• Backdraft

References

1. Allen, A. B., Goldwasser, E. R., & Leary, M. R. (2012). Self-compassion and well-being among older adults. Self and Identity,11(4), 428-453. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2011.595082
2. Andriessen, K., Rahman, B., Draper, B., Dudley, M., & Mitchell, P. B. (2017). Prevalence of exposure to suicide: A meta-analysis of population-based studies. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 88, 113-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.01.017
3. Arimitsu, K. (2016). The effects of a program to enhance self-compassion in Japanese individuals: A randomized controlled pilot study. The Journal of Positive Psychology,11(6),559-571. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1152593
4. Aydın Sünbül, Z. (2016). The Relationship Between Mindfulness And Resilience Among Adolescents: Mediating Role of Self Compassion And Difficulties in Emotion Regulation. (Publication No. 481527) [Doctoral Thesis, Middle East Technical University]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
5. Baer, R. A., Lykins, E. L., & Peters, J. R. (2012). Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators. The Journal of Positive Psychology,7(3), 230-238. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2012.674548
6. Bluth, K., & Blanton, P. W. (2014). Mindfulness and self-compassion: Exploring pathways to adolescent emotional well-being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23(7), 1298-1309. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-013-9830-2
7. Bluth, K., & Blanton, P. W. (2015). The influence of self-compassion on emotional well-being among early and older adolescent males and females. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(3), 219-230. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.936967
8. Bluth, K., Campo, R. A., Futch, W. S., & Gaylord, S. A. (2016). Age and gender differences in the associations of self-compassion and emotional well-being in a large adolescent sample. Journal of Youth And Adolescence, 46(4), 840-853. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0567-2

9. Bluth, K., & Eisenlohr-Moul, T. A. (2017). Response to a mindful self-compassion intervention in teens: A within-person association of mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional well-being outcomes. Journal of Adolescence, 57, 108-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.04.001
10. Bluth, K., Gaylord, S. A., Campo, R. A., Mullarkey, M. C., & Hobbs, L. (2016). Making friends with yourself: a mixed methods pilot study of a mindful self-compassion program for adolescents. Mindfulness,7(2), 479-492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-015-0476-6
11. Bluth, K., Mullarkey, M., & Lathren, C. (2018). Self-compassion: A potential path to adolescent resilience and positive exploration. Journal of child and family studies, 27(9), 3037-3047. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1125-1
12. Bluth, K., Roberson, P. N., & Gaylord, S. A. (2015). A pilot study of a mindfulness intervention for adolescents and the potential role of self-compassion in reducing stress. The Journal of Science and Healing, 11(4), 292-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2015.04.005
13. Bluth, K., Roberson, P. N., Gaylord, S. A., Faurot, K. R., Grewen, K. M., Arzon, S., & Girdler, S. S. (2015). Does Self-Compassion Protect Adolescents from Stress?. Journal of Child and Family Studies,25(4), 1098-1109. DOI 10.1007/s10826-015-0307-3
14. Boggiss, A. L., Consedine, N. S., Jefferies, C., Bluth, K., Hofman, P. L., & Serlachius, A. S. (2020). Protocol for a feasibility study: a brief self-compassion intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating. BMJ open, 10(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034452
15. Boislard, M. A., Van de Bongardt, D., & Blais, M. (2016). Sexuality (and lack thereof) in adolescence and early adulthood: A review of the literature. Behavioral Sciences, 6(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs6010008
16. Bolat, Z. (2013). Investigatinol the relation betweeen resilience and self-compassion of university studuents. (Publication No. 328679) [Master Thesis, Necmettin Erbakan University]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
17. Boykin, D. M., Himmerich, S. J., Pinciotti, C. M., Miller, L. M., Miron, L. R., & Orcutt, H. K. (2018). Barriers to self-compassion for female survivors of childhood maltreatment: the roles of fear of self-compassion and psychological inflexibility. Child Abuse & Neglect, 76, 216-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.11.003
18. Christie, D., & Viner, R. (2005). Adolescent development. BMJ, 330(7486), 301-304. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.330.7486.301
19. Çelik, G., Tahiroğlu, A., & Avcı, A. (2008). Ergenlik döneminde beynin yapısal ve nörokimyasal değişimi. Klinik Psikiyatri Dergisi, 11(1), 42-47. https://jag.journalagent.com/kpd/pdfs/KPD_11_1_42_47.pdf
20. Diener, E., Diener, M., & Diener, C. (2009). Factors predicting the subjective well-being of nations.Diener, E.(Ed). In Culture and well-being (pp. 43-70). Springer Netherlands.
21. Donovan, E., Rodgers, R. F., Cousineau, T. M., McGowan, K. M., Luk, S., Yates, K., & Franko, D. L. (2016). Brief report: Feasibility of a mindfulness and self-compassion based mobile intervention for adolescents. Journal of Adolescence,53, 217-221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.09.009
22. Dorn, L. D., & Biro, F. M. (2011). Puberty and its measurement: A decade in review. Journal of Research on Adolescence,21(1), 180-195. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-7795.2010.00722.x
23. Erikson, E. H. (1956). The problem of ego identity. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 4, 56-121. https://doi.org/10.1177/000306515600400104
24. Eryılmaz, A. (2009). Ergen öznel iyi oluş ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi.[ Developing an adolescent subjective well being scale]. Türk Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 7(4), 975-998. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/256299
25. Eryılmaz, A., & Aypay, A. (2011). Ergen öznel iyi oluşu ile kimlik statüsü ilişkisinin incelenmesi.[Investigation of relationship between adolescents’ subjective wellbeing and ıdentity status]. Dicle University Journal of Ziya Gokalp Education Faculty, 16, 167-179. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/787063
26. Exner-Cortens, D., Eckenrode, J., Bunge, J., & Rothman, E. (2017). Revictimization after adolescent dating violence in a matched, national sample of youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 60(2), 176-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.09.015
27. Germer, C. (2009). The mindful path to self-compassion: Freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions.New York: Guilford Press.
28. Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion-focused therapy. Advances İn Psychiatric Treatment,15(3), 199-208. DOİ: 10.1192/apt.bp.107.005264
29. Gilbert, P., McEwan, K., Matos, M., & Rivis, A. (2011). Fears of compassion: Development of three self‐report measures. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 84(3), 239-255. https://doi.org/10.1348/147608310X526511
30. Gubbels, J., van der Put, C. E., & Assink, M. (2019). Risk factors for school absenteeism and dropout: a meta-analytic review. Journal of youth and adolescence, 48(9), 1637-1667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-019-01072-5
31. Güler, D., & Çakır, G. (2016). Lise son sınıf öğrencilerinin sınav kaygısını yordayan değişkenlerin incelenmesi.[ Examining predictors of test anxiety levels among 12th grade high school students]. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 4(39), 82-139. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/200098
32. Jazaieri, H., Jinpa, G. T., McGonigal, K., Rosenberg, E. L., Finkelstein, J., Simon-Thomas, E., ... & Goldin, P. R. (2013). Enhancing compassion: a randomized controlled trial of a compassion cultivation training program. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(4), 1113-1126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9373-z
33. Jiang, Y., You, J., Hou, Y., Du, C., Lin, M. P., Zheng, X., & Ma, C. (2016). Buffering the effects of peer victimization on adolescent non-suicidal self-injury: The role of self-compassion and family cohesion. Journal Of Adolescence, 53, 107-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.09.005
34. Joeng, J. R., & Turner, S. L. (2015). Mediators between self-criticism and depression: Fear of compassion, self-compassion, and importance to others. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 62(3), 453. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000071
35. Karasar, N. (2016). Bilimsel araştırma yöntemi: kavramlar-ilkeler-teknikler [Scientific research method: concepts-principles-techniques]. Nobel Yayın Dağıtım.
36. Kilmen, S. (2015). Eğitim araştırmacıları için spss uygulamalı istatistik [SPSS for training researchers in applied statistics]. Edge Akademi, Ankara.
37. Koç, M. (2004). Gelişim psikolojisi açısından ergenlik dönemi ve genel özellikleri. Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 2, 231-266. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/219297
38. Lathren, C., Bluth, K., & Park, J. (2019). Adolescent self-compassion moderates the relationship between perceived stress and internalizing symptoms. Personality and individual differences, 143, 36-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2019.02.008
39. Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9, 111-131. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.111
40. Marcia, J. E. (2002). Identity and psychosocial development in adulthood. Identity: An İnternational Journal of Theory and Research, 2(1), 7-28. https://doi.org/10.1207/S1532706XID0201_02
41. Mendes, A. L., Canavarro, M. C., & Ferreira, C. (2022). The roles of self-compassion and psychological flexibility in the psychological well-being of adolescent girls. Current Psychology, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02438-4
42. Mitchell, A. E., Whittingham, K., Steindl, S., & Kirby, J. (2018). Feasibility and acceptability of a brief online self-compassion intervention for mothers of infants. Archives of women's mental health, 21(5), 553-561. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0829-y
43. Mojtabai, R., Olfson, M., & Han, B. (2016). National trends in the prevalence and treatment of depression in adolescents and young adults. Pediatrics, 138(6). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1878
44. Muris, P., Meesters, C., Pierik, A., & de Kock, B. (2016). Good for the self: Self-compassion and other self-related constructs in relation to symptoms of anxiety and depression in non-clinical youths. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25(2), 607-617. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-015-0235-2
45. Necef, I., & Deniz M.E.(2018, April). Şefkat Korkusu Ölçeği: Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması. Sözlü Bildiri. III. INES Education and Social Science Congress, Antalya.
46. Neff, K. D. (2003a). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2),85-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
47. Neff, K. D. (2003b). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity,2(3), 223-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027
48. Neff, K. D. (2011). Self‐compassion, self‐esteem, and well‐being. Social And Personality Psychology Compass,5(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00330.x
49. Neff, K. D. (2017, January 01). Self-compassion guided meditations and exercises. http://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#exercises
50. Neff, K. D. (2018, January, 15). Tips for practice. http://self-compassion.org/tips-for-practice/.
51. Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self‐compassion program. Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28-44. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.21923.
52. Neff, K. D., Kirkpatrick, K. L., & Rude, S. S. (2007). Self-compassion and adaptive psychological functioning. Journal of Research in Personality, 41(1), 139-154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2006.03.004.
53. Neff, K. D., & McGehee, P. (2010). Self-compassion and psychological resilience among adolescents and young adults. Self and Identity,9(3), 225-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860902979307.
54. Pauley, G., & McPherson, S. (2010). The experience and meaning of compassion and self‐compassion for individuals with depression or anxiety. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 83(2), 129-143. https://doi.org/10.1348/147608309X471000.
55. Pullmer, R., Coelho, J. S., & Zaitsoff, S. L. (2019). Kindness begins with yourself: The role of self‐compassion in adolescent body satisfaction and eating pathology. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 52(7), 809-816. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23081
56. Raes, F., Pommier, E., Neff, K. D., & Van Gucht, D. (2011). Construction and factorial validation of a short form of the self‐compassion scale. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 18(3), 250-255. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.702.
57. Sarıcaoğlu, H., & Arslan, C. (2019). Bilinçli öz-anlayış programının üniversite öğrencilerinin öz-anlayışına etkisi. Manas Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 8(3), 2381-2399. https://doi.org/10.33206/mjss.522935
58. Sarıgül, N. (2021). The effect of the self-compassion development program for high school students on risky behaviors. (Publication No. 667992) ) [Master Thesis, Hasan Kalyoncu University]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
59. Steinberg, L. (2004). Risk taking in adolescence: what changes, and why?. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences,1021(1), 51-58. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1308.005
60. Sun, X., Chan, D. W., & Chan, L. K. (2016). Self-compassion and psychological well-being among adolescents in Hong Kong: Exploring gender differences. Personality and Individual Differences, 101, 288-292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.06.011.
61. Xavier, A., Pinto-Gouveia, J., & Cunha, M. (2016). The protective role of self-compassion on risk factors for non-suicidal self-ınjury in adolescence. School Mental Health, 8(4), 476-485. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-016-9197-9
62. Yıldırım, M., & Sarı, T. (2018). Öz-şefkat ölçeği kısa formu’nun Türkçe uyarlaması: geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 18(4), 2502-2517. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2018.18.41844-452171
63. Zessin, U., Dickhäuser, O., & Garbade, S. (2015). The relationship between self‐compassion and well‐being: A meta‐analysis. Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 7(3), 340-364. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12051.