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19-12-2023 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Coping with Past Social Stress: Comparing Brief Self-Compassion, Cognitive Reappraisal and Control Writing Exercises

Auteurs: Cortney M. Burnham, Nancy L. Kocovski

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 1/2024

Abstract

Objectives

Inducing self-compassion has been shown to be helpful, particularly for individuals with high levels of social anxiety. However, few studies have compared a brief self-compassion intervention to another adaptive strategy. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the impact of a brief (5-min) self-compassion induction for social stress compared to another beneficial strategy.

Method

Two studies were conducted to compare self-compassion and cognitive reappraisal as strategies for coping with past stressful social situations. In Study 1, participants (n = 276) were asked to recall and describe a situation during the COVID-19 pandemic where they felt judged and then were randomly assigned to either a self-compassion, cognitive reappraisal, or a control writing condition. In Study 2 (n = 277), participants were asked to recall any past stressful social situation where they felt judged by others.

Results

For Study 1, those who completed either the self-compassion or cognitive reappraisal exercise reported significantly lower distress immediately after the induction, and higher levels of self-compassion and reappraisal compared to the control condition. For Study 2, only those who completed the self-compassion induction reported significantly higher levels of self-compassion and reappraisal and significantly lower levels of distress and state anxiety compared to those in the control condition, but the self-compassion and reappraisal conditions did not differ significantly from one another.

Conclusion

These studies build support for the benefits of responding to social stressors with self-compassion.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.

vorige artikel A Body Scan Meditation Reduces Negative Affect and Food Cravings in Emotional Eaters: A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects, Mediators, and Moderators

volgende artikel The Roles of Self-Compassion and Self-Coldness in the Relationships Between Inferiority and Stress and Anxiety Among Gifted Adolescents

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Titel: Coping with Past Social Stress: Comparing Brief Self-Compassion, Cognitive Reappraisal and Control Writing Exercises
Auteurs: Cortney M. Burnham
Nancy L. Kocovski
Publicatiedatum: 19-12-2023
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness / Uitgave 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-023-02268-4

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