Lalor, John and Khoshfetrat, Ali ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8632-5137
(2023)
An examination of the association between mindfulness and compassion for others in psychotherapists: A mediating role of self‐compassion.
Counselling and Psychotherapy Research.
ISSN Print:1473-3145 Online:1746-1405
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Abstract
Objectives
Mindfulness, self-compassion and compassion for others are often studied among clients seeking psychotherapy. Psychotherapists are also at risk of developing psychological difficulties given that the profession is demanding and can put psychological and emotional pressures on therapists. The aim of this study was to examine (a) the relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion and compassion for others and (b) whether self-compassion will mediate the effects of mindfulness on compassion for others.
Method
This was a cross-sectional study conducted among a sample of 152 psychotherapists registered with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland.
Results
Our analysis found a significant relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion and compassion for others. Mediation analysis showed that the indirect effects of mindfulness on compassion for others was through self-compassion. We entered age and gender into our model, but they had no impact on the mediated relationship.
Conclusion
Findings from this study provide preliminary support for a proposed sequential model, suggesting that mindfulness enhances self-compassion, which, in turn, can improve compassion for others. Psychotherapists and psychotherapy bodies are recommended to utilise strategies that can improve psychotherapists' mindfulness skills, such as the mindfulness self-compassion programme and compassion-focussed therapy, and their capacity for self-compassion, which can contribute to their ability to develop compassion for the client. Given the limitations of the design of the study, future longitudinal research will enable us to document the directionality of the effects.
Item Type: | Article |
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Additional Information: | Staff and students at the University of Worcester can access the full-text via the UW online library search. External users should check availability with their local library or Interlibrary Requests Service. |
Uncontrolled Discrete Keywords: | compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, self-compassion |
Divisions: | College of Business, Psychology and Sport > School of Psychology |
Related URLs: | |
Copyright Info: | © 2023 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. |
Depositing User: | Ali Khoshfetrat |
Date Deposited: | 03 Jan 2024 09:40 |
Last Modified: | 03 Jan 2024 11:05 |
URI: | https://eprints.worc.ac.uk/id/eprint/13496 |
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