The compassion balance : Understanding the interrelation of self- and other-compassion for optimal well-being
Journal article
Sahdra, Baljinder K., Ciarrochi, Joseph, Fraser, Madeleine I., Yap, Keong, Haller, Elisa, Hayes, Steven C., Hofmann, Stefan G. and Gloster, Andrew T.. (2023). The compassion balance : Understanding the interrelation of self- and other-compassion for optimal well-being. Mindfulness. 14, pp. 1997-2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-023-02187-4
Authors | Sahdra, Baljinder K., Ciarrochi, Joseph, Fraser, Madeleine I., Yap, Keong, Haller, Elisa, Hayes, Steven C., Hofmann, Stefan G. and Gloster, Andrew T. |
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Abstract | Objectives: This study examined the role of self-other harmony in the relations between self-compassion, other-compassion, and well-being. Past research has shown self- and other-compassion to be positively related. But we hypothesised that self-compassion can be perceived as incompatible with other-compassion, and that self-compassion and other-compassion might be uncorrelated or negatively correlated in daily life for some individuals. We termed this pattern lack of self-other harmony in compassion and hypothesised that it would undermine the benefits of compassion. Method: Using an experience sampling method in patients (n=154) with a variety of diagnoses, we measured self-compassion, other-compassion, life-satisfaction, mood, and contextual variables six times per day for 42 time points. Results: For most participants, self-compassion was positively associated with other-compassion. However, there was substantial heterogeneity in this effect. The degree of self-other harmony moderated the link between compassion directed towards self or other and well-being. Higher levels of compassion were associated with higher levels of well-being, but only for those who experienced the harmony. When the two forms of compassion were not in harmony, levels of self/other-compassion were largely unrelated to well-being. Conclusions: The findings emphasise the importance of personalised compassion interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Increasing self-compassion or other-compassion is likely to improve well-being for most people. However, for a minority lacking the self-other harmony, it may be necessary to assess their interpretation of self- and other-compassion, then work with them to promote the compassion balance optimal for their well-being. |
Keywords | compassion; self-compassion; well-being; life-satisfaction; mood; experience sampling methods |
Year | 2023 |
Journal | Mindfulness |
Journal citation | 14, pp. 1997-2013 |
Publisher | Springer |
ISSN | 1868-8535 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-023-02187-4 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85165919258 |
Open access | Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access |
Page range | 1997-2013 |
Funder | Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) |
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation | |
Hessische Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst | |
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), United States of America | |
Broderick Foundation | |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | |
James S. McDonnell Foundation | |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 27 Jul 2023 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 04 Jul 2023 |
Deposited | 05 Sep 2023 |
Grant ID | PP00P1_190082 |
PP00P1_163716/1 | |
R01MH128377 | |
U01MH108168 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8z95q/the-compassion-balance-understanding-the-interrelation-of-self-and-other-compassion-for-optimal-well-being
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Publisher's version
OA_Sahdra_2023_The_compassion_balance_understanding_the_interrelation.pdf | |
License: CC BY 4.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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