Soothe ourselves in times of need: A qualitative exploration of how the feeling of ‘soothe’ is understood and experienced in everyday life

ConclusionsOur study illustrated the importance of affiliations, physical sensations, mindfulness, connection with nature, and solitude on the cultivation of soothe. Results may help develop therapeutic techniques in enhancing self ‐soothe by tapping into individuals’ understanding and subjective experience in everyday contexts.Practitioner points Compassion ‐focused therapy and related third wave therapies emphasize the role of cultivating self‐compassion and feelings of self‐soothe in reducing psychological distress and improving mental well‐being. This study sheds light on how individuals understand and achieve self‐soothe in everyday life contexts. Individuals’ subjective narratives suggested that both being in solitude and affiliated with others were associated with feelings of self‐soothe, in addition to feeling connected with the nature, being in familiar environments and experiencing physical sensations. These findings wil l help practitioners develop different ways to enhance individuals’ self‐compassion by tapping into their understanding and experience of self‐soothe in everyday life.
Source: Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Qualitative Paper Source Type: research