The relative benefits of nonattachment to self and self ‐compassion for psychological distress and psychological well‐being for those with and without symptoms of depression

ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study suggests both nonattachment to self and self ‐compassion are associated with better mental health in non‐clinical populations. Further, for individuals experiencing at least mild symptoms of depression, self‐compassion may be less beneficial than taking a more nonattached stance towards the self. The findings have implications for the wa y we conceptualize self‐focused attention and suggest assisting individuals to let go of their fixated, self‐focused attention may be especially beneficial for individuals with depressive symptoms.Practitioner points The notion of letting of attachment to the separate static self lies at the core of Buddhist psychological teachings and recent research suggests it can have a positive impact on individuals psychological well ‐being and ill‐being Given the barriers to self‐compassion experienced by individuals with depressive symptoms, nonattachment to self may represent a healthy interaction with the self than is met with less resistance than self‐compassion. Due to the balanced stance of nonattachment to self towards positive and negative self‐related stimuli, it may be prove to be a valuable approach to treating individuals who feel conflict with taking any form of positive or kind stance towards the self.
Source: Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research