Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in:

15-07-2023

Decoding Unconditional Self-Acceptance: A Qualitative Report

Auteurs: Suchismita Pramanik, Rooplekha Khuntia

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy | Uitgave 4/2023

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

Unconditional self-acceptance (USA) is a philosophy practiced to avoid the consequences of self-esteem in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). It is considered to be one of the determinants of psychological wellbeing. Despite its importance, it is one of the least studied constructs in psychological research. The literature on USA is focused on examining its relationship with various psychological symptoms and in relation to other psychotherapeutic approaches. However, there is little research evidence to understand the construct. To fill this gap, the present study aims to bring more clarity to the existing definition of USA by understanding its nature. The present study is a qualitative study and used an interview technique to collect data. For this purpose, ten mental health professionals were selected through purposive sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the interview. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis and coding techniques were used to analyze the data. Self-awareness, a positive view toward oneself and others, and social comparison were identified as important aspects of USA. Moreover, the current paper brought more clarity to the construct USA by proposing the nature of USA.
Bijlagen
Alleen toegankelijk voor geautoriseerde gebruikers
Literatuur
go back to reference Aboalshamat, K., Jawhari, A., Alotibi, S., Alzahrani, K., Al-Mohimeed, H., Alzahrani, M., & Rashedi, H. (2017). Relationship of self-esteem with depression, anxiety, and stress among dental and medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Journal of International Medicine and Dentistry, 4(2), 61–68.CrossRef Aboalshamat, K., Jawhari, A., Alotibi, S., Alzahrani, K., Al-Mohimeed, H., Alzahrani, M., & Rashedi, H. (2017). Relationship of self-esteem with depression, anxiety, and stress among dental and medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Journal of International Medicine and Dentistry, 4(2), 61–68.CrossRef
go back to reference Awan, S., & Sitwat, A. (2014). Workplace spirituality, self-esteem, and psychological wellbeing among mental health professionals. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 125–149.Fry, P. S. (2000). Religious involvement, spirituality and personal meaning for life: Existential predictors of psychological wellbeing in community-residing and institutional care elders. Aging & Mental Health, 4(4), 375–387. Awan, S., & Sitwat, A. (2014). Workplace spirituality, self-esteem, and psychological wellbeing among mental health professionals. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 125–149.Fry, P. S. (2000). Religious involvement, spirituality and personal meaning for life: Existential predictors of psychological wellbeing in community-residing and institutional care elders. Aging & Mental Health, 4(4), 375–387.
go back to reference Bauer, J. J., Park, S. W., Montoya, R. M., & Wayment, H. A. (2015). Growth motivation toward two paths of eudaimonic self-development. Journal of Happiness Studies, 16(1), 185–210.CrossRef Bauer, J. J., Park, S. W., Montoya, R. M., & Wayment, H. A. (2015). Growth motivation toward two paths of eudaimonic self-development. Journal of Happiness Studies, 16(1), 185–210.CrossRef
go back to reference Baumeister, R. F., & Tice, D. M. (1985). Self-esteem and responses to success and failure: Subsequent performance and intrinsic motivation. Journal of personality, 53(3), 450–467.CrossRef Baumeister, R. F., & Tice, D. M. (1985). Self-esteem and responses to success and failure: Subsequent performance and intrinsic motivation. Journal of personality, 53(3), 450–467.CrossRef
go back to reference Bernard, M. E. (Ed.). (2013). The strength of self-acceptance: Theory, practice and research. Springer Science & Business Media. Bernard, M. E. (Ed.). (2013). The strength of self-acceptance: Theory, practice and research. Springer Science & Business Media.
go back to reference Billups, F. D. (2019). Qualitative data collection tools: Design, development, and applications (55 vol.). Sage Publications. Billups, F. D. (2019). Qualitative data collection tools: Design, development, and applications (55 vol.). Sage Publications.
go back to reference Blascovich, J., Tomaka, J., Robinson, J. P., Shaver, P. R., & Wrightsman, L. S. (1991). Measures of self-esteem. Measures of personality and social psychological attitudes, 1, 115–160.CrossRef Blascovich, J., Tomaka, J., Robinson, J. P., Shaver, P. R., & Wrightsman, L. S. (1991). Measures of self-esteem. Measures of personality and social psychological attitudes, 1, 115–160.CrossRef
go back to reference Braden, E. D. (1969). Verbal conditioning of positive and negative self-report in high and low self-esteem subjects (Doctoral dissertation, The Ohio State University). Braden, E. D. (1969). Verbal conditioning of positive and negative self-report in high and low self-esteem subjects (Doctoral dissertation, The Ohio State University).
go back to reference Campbell, J. D., & Lavallee, L. F. (1993). Who am I? The role of self-concept confusion in understanding the behavior of people with low self-esteem. Self-esteem (pp. 3–20). Boston, MA: Springer.CrossRef Campbell, J. D., & Lavallee, L. F. (1993). Who am I? The role of self-concept confusion in understanding the behavior of people with low self-esteem. Self-esteem (pp. 3–20). Boston, MA: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Chamberlain, J. M., & Haaga, D. A. (2001). Unconditional self-acceptance and psychological health. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 19(3), 163–176.CrossRef Chamberlain, J. M., & Haaga, D. A. (2001). Unconditional self-acceptance and psychological health. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 19(3), 163–176.CrossRef
go back to reference Creswell, J., & Miller, D. (2000). Determining validity in qualitative inquiry. Theory into Practice, 39(3), 124–130.CrossRef Creswell, J., & Miller, D. (2000). Determining validity in qualitative inquiry. Theory into Practice, 39(3), 124–130.CrossRef
go back to reference Cucu-Ciuhan, G., & Dumitru, I. E. (2017). Unconditional Self-Acceptance, Functional and Dysfunctional negative emotions, and Self-Esteem as Predictors for Depression in Adolescents: A brief pilot study conducted in Romania. Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy/Revista de PSIHOterapie Experientiala, 20(4). Cucu-Ciuhan, G., & Dumitru, I. E. (2017). Unconditional Self-Acceptance, Functional and Dysfunctional negative emotions, and Self-Esteem as Predictors for Depression in Adolescents: A brief pilot study conducted in Romania. Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy/Revista de PSIHOterapie Experientiala, 20(4).
go back to reference David, D., Cotet, C. D., Szentagotai, A., McMAHON, J., & Digiuseppe, R. (2013a). Philosophical versus psychological unconditional acceptance: Implications for constructing the unconditional acceptance questionnaire. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 13(2A), 445. David, D., Cotet, C. D., Szentagotai, A., McMAHON, J., & Digiuseppe, R. (2013a). Philosophical versus psychological unconditional acceptance: Implications for constructing the unconditional acceptance questionnaire. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 13(2A), 445.
go back to reference David, D., Lynn, S. J., & Das, L. S. (2013b). Self-acceptance in Buddhism and psychotherapy. The strength of self-acceptance (pp. 19–38). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef David, D., Lynn, S. J., & Das, L. S. (2013b). Self-acceptance in Buddhism and psychotherapy. The strength of self-acceptance (pp. 19–38). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Davies, M. F. (2006). Irrational beliefs and unconditional self-acceptance. I. Correlational evidence linking two key features of REBT. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 24(2), 113–124.CrossRef Davies, M. F. (2006). Irrational beliefs and unconditional self-acceptance. I. Correlational evidence linking two key features of REBT. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 24(2), 113–124.CrossRef
go back to reference Dawis, R. V. (1987). Scale construction. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 34(4), 481.CrossRef Dawis, R. V. (1987). Scale construction. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 34(4), 481.CrossRef
go back to reference DiGiuseppe, R., Leaf, R., Gorman, B., & Robin, M. W. (2018). The development of a measure of irrational/rational beliefs. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 36(1), 47–79. DiGiuseppe, R., Leaf, R., Gorman, B., & Robin, M. W. (2018). The development of a measure of irrational/rational beliefs. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 36(1), 47–79.
go back to reference Dimeff, L., & Linehan, M. M. (2001). Dialectical behavior therapy in a nutshell. The California Psychologist, 34(3), 10–13. Dimeff, L., & Linehan, M. M. (2001). Dialectical behavior therapy in a nutshell. The California Psychologist, 34(3), 10–13.
go back to reference Dryden, W. (2013). Unconditional self-acceptance and self-compassion. The strength of Self-Acceptance (pp. 107–120). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef Dryden, W. (2013). Unconditional self-acceptance and self-compassion. The strength of Self-Acceptance (pp. 107–120). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Ellis, A. (2005). The myth of self-esteem: How rational emotive behavior therapy can change your life forever. Ellis, A. (2005). The myth of self-esteem: How rational emotive behavior therapy can change your life forever.
go back to reference Gavit, O. A., David, D., DiGiuseppe, R., & DelVecchio, T. (2011). The development and validation of the parent rational and Irrational Beliefs Scale. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 30, 2305–2311.CrossRef Gavit, O. A., David, D., DiGiuseppe, R., & DelVecchio, T. (2011). The development and validation of the parent rational and Irrational Beliefs Scale. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 30, 2305–2311.CrossRef
go back to reference Gaviţa, O. A., & Duţă, T. (2013). The employee rational and irrational beliefs scale: Preliminary validation. Transylvanian Journal of Psychology, 14(1), 19–39. Gaviţa, O. A., & Duţă, T. (2013). The employee rational and irrational beliefs scale: Preliminary validation. Transylvanian Journal of Psychology, 14(1), 19–39.
go back to reference Greene, L., & Burke, G. (2007). Beyond self-actualization. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 116–128. Greene, L., & Burke, G. (2007). Beyond self-actualization. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 116–128.
go back to reference Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M., & de Lacey, S. (2016). Qualitative research methods: When to use them and how to judge them. Human reproduction, 31(3), 498–501.CrossRefPubMed Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M., & de Lacey, S. (2016). Qualitative research methods: When to use them and how to judge them. Human reproduction, 31(3), 498–501.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Harris, R. (2006). Embracing your demons: An overview of acceptance and commitment therapy. Psychotherapy in Australia, 12(4). Harris, R. (2006). Embracing your demons: An overview of acceptance and commitment therapy. Psychotherapy in Australia, 12(4).
go back to reference Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., Bunting, K., Twohig, M., & Wilson, K. G. (2004). What is acceptance and commitment therapy? A practical guide to acceptance and commitment therapy (pp. 3–29). Boston, MA: Springer.CrossRef Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., Bunting, K., Twohig, M., & Wilson, K. G. (2004). What is acceptance and commitment therapy? A practical guide to acceptance and commitment therapy (pp. 3–29). Boston, MA: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Hoffman, L., Lopez, A. J., & Moats, M. (2013). Humanistic psychology and self-acceptance. The strength of self-acceptance (pp. 3–17). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef Hoffman, L., Lopez, A. J., & Moats, M. (2013). Humanistic psychology and self-acceptance. The strength of self-acceptance (pp. 3–17). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Jeffcoat, T., & Hayes, S. C. (2013). Psychologically flexible self-acceptance. The strength of Self-Acceptance (pp. 73–92). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef Jeffcoat, T., & Hayes, S. C. (2013). Psychologically flexible self-acceptance. The strength of Self-Acceptance (pp. 73–92). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Jibeen, T. (2017). Unconditional self-acceptance and self-esteem in relation to frustration intolerance beliefs and psychological distress. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 35(2), 207–221.CrossRef Jibeen, T. (2017). Unconditional self-acceptance and self-esteem in relation to frustration intolerance beliefs and psychological distress. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 35(2), 207–221.CrossRef
go back to reference Kumar, U., & Singh, R. (2014). Resilience and spirituality as predictors of psychological wellbeing among university students. Journal of Psychosocial Research, 9(2), 227. Kumar, U., & Singh, R. (2014). Resilience and spirituality as predictors of psychological wellbeing among university students. Journal of Psychosocial Research, 9(2), 227.
go back to reference Levin, M., & Hayes, S. C. (2011). Mindfulness and acceptance: The perspective of acceptance and commitment therapy. Acceptance and mindfulness in cognitive behavior therapy: Understanding and applying the new therapies, 291–316. Levin, M., & Hayes, S. C. (2011). Mindfulness and acceptance: The perspective of acceptance and commitment therapy. Acceptance and mindfulness in cognitive behavior therapy: Understanding and applying the new therapies, 291–316.
go back to reference Lindner, H., Kirkby, R., Wertheim, E., & Birch, P. (1999). A brief assessment of irrational thinking: The shortened general attitude and belief scale. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 23(6), 651–663.CrossRef Lindner, H., Kirkby, R., Wertheim, E., & Birch, P. (1999). A brief assessment of irrational thinking: The shortened general attitude and belief scale. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 23(6), 651–663.CrossRef
go back to reference Lu, L. T. (2022). Five Skandhas, Prajnaparamita heart sutra, and Business Management. International Journal of Management Studies and Social Science Research, 4(4), 21–27. Lu, L. T. (2022). Five Skandhas, Prajnaparamita heart sutra, and Business Management. International Journal of Management Studies and Social Science Research, 4(4), 21–27.
go back to reference Macavei, B., & McMahon, J. (2010). The assessment of rational and irrational beliefs. Rational and irrational beliefs: Research, theory, and clinical practice, 115–147. Macavei, B., & McMahon, J. (2010). The assessment of rational and irrational beliefs. Rational and irrational beliefs: Research, theory, and clinical practice, 115–147.
go back to reference Mann, M. M., Hosman, C. M., Schaalma, H. P., & De Vries, N. K. (2004). Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion. Health education research, 19(4), 357–372.CrossRefPubMed Mann, M. M., Hosman, C. M., Schaalma, H. P., & De Vries, N. K. (2004). Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion. Health education research, 19(4), 357–372.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Manson, M. (2016). The subtle art of not giving a F* ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to living a good life. Macmillan Publishers Aus. Manson, M. (2016). The subtle art of not giving a F* ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to living a good life. Macmillan Publishers Aus.
go back to reference Meyers, M. C., van Woerkom, M., de Reuver, R. S., Bakk, Z., & Oberski, D. L. (2015). Enhancing psychological capital and personal growth initiative: Working on strengths or deficiencies. Journal of counseling psychology, 62(1), 50.CrossRefPubMed Meyers, M. C., van Woerkom, M., de Reuver, R. S., Bakk, Z., & Oberski, D. L. (2015). Enhancing psychological capital and personal growth initiative: Working on strengths or deficiencies. Journal of counseling psychology, 62(1), 50.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Mills, D. (1993). Overcoming self-esteem. New York: Institute for Rational-Emotive Therapy. Mills, D. (1993). Overcoming self-esteem. New York: Institute for Rational-Emotive Therapy.
go back to reference Mogoase, C., Stefan, S., & David, D. (2013). How do we measure rational and irrational beliefs? The development of rational and irrational beliefs scale (RAIBS)-A new theory-driven measure. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 13(2A), 529. Mogoase, C., Stefan, S., & David, D. (2013). How do we measure rational and irrational beliefs? The development of rational and irrational beliefs scale (RAIBS)-A new theory-driven measure. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 13(2A), 529.
go back to reference Mohajan, H. K. (2018). Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related subjects. Journal of economic development environment and people, 7(1), 23–48.CrossRef Mohajan, H. K. (2018). Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related subjects. Journal of economic development environment and people, 7(1), 23–48.CrossRef
go back to reference Nielsen, S. L., Szentagotai, A., Gavita, O. A., & Lupu, V. (2013). Self-acceptance and christian theology. The strength of self-acceptance (pp. 39–64). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef Nielsen, S. L., Szentagotai, A., Gavita, O. A., & Lupu, V. (2013). Self-acceptance and christian theology. The strength of self-acceptance (pp. 39–64). New York, NY: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Papps, B. P., & O’Carroll, R. E. (1998). Extremes of self-esteem and narcissism and the experience and expression of anger and aggression. Aggressive Behavior: Official Journal of the International Society for Research on Aggression, 24(6), 421–438.CrossRef Papps, B. P., & O’Carroll, R. E. (1998). Extremes of self-esteem and narcissism and the experience and expression of anger and aggression. Aggressive Behavior: Official Journal of the International Society for Research on Aggression, 24(6), 421–438.CrossRef
go back to reference Passarelli, A., Hall, E., & Anderson, M. (2010). A strengths-based approach to outdoor and adventure education: Possibilities for personal growth. Journal of Experiential Education, 33(2), 120–135.CrossRef Passarelli, A., Hall, E., & Anderson, M. (2010). A strengths-based approach to outdoor and adventure education: Possibilities for personal growth. Journal of Experiential Education, 33(2), 120–135.CrossRef
go back to reference Polit, D., & Beck, C. (2006). Essentials of nursing research: Methods, appraisal and utilization (6(.). th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Polit, D., & Beck, C. (2006). Essentials of nursing research: Methods, appraisal and utilization (6(.). th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
go back to reference Rāhula, W. (1974). What the Buddha taught (641 vol.). Grove Press. Rāhula, W. (1974). What the Buddha taught (641 vol.). Grove Press.
go back to reference Robins, C. J., & Rosenthal, M. Z. (2011). Dialectical behavior therapy. Acceptance and mindfulness in cognitive behavior therapy: Understanding and applying the new therapies, 164–192. Robins, C. J., & Rosenthal, M. Z. (2011). Dialectical behavior therapy. Acceptance and mindfulness in cognitive behavior therapy: Understanding and applying the new therapies, 164–192.
go back to reference Rogers, C. R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships: As developed in the client-centered framework (3 vol., pp. 184–256). New York: McGraw-Hill. Rogers, C. R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships: As developed in the client-centered framework (3 vol., pp. 184–256). New York: McGraw-Hill.
go back to reference Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image.
go back to reference Scherman, A. (1981). Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-actualization. Scherman, A. (1981). Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-actualization.
go back to reference Scott, J. (2007). The effect of perfectionism and unconditional self-acceptance on depression. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 25(1), 35–64.CrossRef Scott, J. (2007). The effect of perfectionism and unconditional self-acceptance on depression. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 25(1), 35–64.CrossRef
go back to reference Segall, S. R. (2003). Psychotherapy practice as buddhist practice. Encountering Buddhism: Western psychology and Buddhist teachings, 165–178. Segall, S. R. (2003). Psychotherapy practice as buddhist practice. Encountering Buddhism: Western psychology and Buddhist teachings, 165–178.
go back to reference Seligman, M. E. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. Simon and Schuster. Seligman, M. E. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. Simon and Schuster.
go back to reference Sheerer, E. T. (1957). The relationship of self-acceptance and self-respect to acceptance of and respect for others. Pastoral psychology, 8(2), 35–42.CrossRef Sheerer, E. T. (1957). The relationship of self-acceptance and self-respect to acceptance of and respect for others. Pastoral psychology, 8(2), 35–42.CrossRef
go back to reference Shorkey, C. T., & Whiteman, V. L. (1977). Development of the rational behavior inventory: Initial validity and reliability. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 37(2), 527–534.CrossRef Shorkey, C. T., & Whiteman, V. L. (1977). Development of the rational behavior inventory: Initial validity and reliability. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 37(2), 527–534.CrossRef
go back to reference Twohig, M. P. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Introduction. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(4), 499–507.CrossRef Twohig, M. P. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Introduction. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(4), 499–507.CrossRef
go back to reference Vinayak, S., & Judge, J. (2018). Resilience and empathy as predictors of psychological wellbeing among adolescents. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 8(4), 192–200. Vinayak, S., & Judge, J. (2018). Resilience and empathy as predictors of psychological wellbeing among adolescents. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 8(4), 192–200.
Metagegevens
Titel
Decoding Unconditional Self-Acceptance: A Qualitative Report
Auteurs
Suchismita Pramanik
Rooplekha Khuntia
Publicatiedatum
15-07-2023
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy / Uitgave 4/2023
Print ISSN: 0894-9085
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-6563
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-023-00517-y