A Comparison Between Self-compassion and Unconditional Self-acceptance: Interventions on Self-blame, Empathy, Shame-, Guilt-Proneness, and Performance

This study aims to investigate the effect of a self-compassion training and an unconditional self-acceptance training on self-blame levels, empathy levels, guilt- and shame-proneness levels, and performance on a task. Participants of all ages were recruited and randomized into two groups. Daily, for a week, each group had to apply a self-compassion exercise, or an unconditional self-acceptance exercise. Out of the original sample, 157 participants completed the study. A mixed ANOVA was employed for analysis. Self-compassion and unconditional self-acceptance increased in both groups. No significant differences were found between the two groups on self-blame and empathy levels. Shame-proneness levels lowered in both groups. After the training, participants in the self-compassion group presented significantly lower levels of guilt-proneness than participants in the unconditional self-acceptance group. Performance did not differ between the two groups. Although self-compassion and unconditional self-acceptance seem like different concepts, it is possible that the two lead to similar outcomes, using different means.
Source: Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research