Why would I want to be more self-compassionate? A qualitative study of the pros and cons to cultivating self-compassion in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal the various advantages and disadvantages that women with AN perceive to be associated with developing self-compassion. Results may help clinicians work more sensitively and effectively when trying to cultivate self-compassion in patients who have AN. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This research suggests that patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) perceive various disadvantages to cultivating self-compassion, but also certain advantages. By familiarizing themselves with the pros and cons to self-compassion identified by individuals with AN, clinicians may be able to more effectively listen to and communicate with their patients about ambivalence about self-compassion development. Clinicians may want to listen for and explore concerns in their AN patients that self-compassion will lead to personal shortcomings, fail to be beneficial, and be emotionally challenging. Clinicians may want to listen for and help patients elaborate upon their beliefs about how self-compassion might benefit their outlook, health, personal development, and relationships. PMID: 33368387 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The British Journal of Clinical Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Br J Clin Psychol Source Type: research