Cited by 931Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsPsychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionForgiveness and Related Behaviors

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Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention

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Neff, Kristin D.·2023·Annual Review of Psychology

DOI 10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047

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Abstract

Self-compassion refers to being supportive toward oneself when experiencing suffering or pain-be it caused by personal mistakes and inadequacies or external life challenges. This review presents my theoretical model of self-compassion as comprised of six different elements: increased self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness as well as reduced self-judgment, isolation, and overidentification. It discusses the methodology of self-compassion research and reviews the increasingly large number of empirical studies that indicate self-compassion is a productive way of approaching distressing thoughts and emotions that engenders mental and physical well-being. It also reviews research that dispels common myths about self-compassion (e.g., that it is weak, selfish, self-indulgent or undermines motivation). Interventions designed to increase self-compassion, such as compassion-focused therapy and mindful self-compassion, are discussed. Finally, the review considers problematic issues in the field, such as the differential effects fallacy, and considers limitations and future research directions in the field of self-compassion research.

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Authors: Neff, K. D.
Affiliations: The University of Texas at Austin (US)
Corresponding author: Neff, Kristin D.
ORCID: Neff, Kristin D.
Venue: Annual Review of Psychology
Publisher: Annual Reviews
Published: 2023-01-18
Volume: 74
Issue: 1
Pages: 193-218
ISSN: 0066-4308 (ISSN-L)
1545-2085
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047
OpenAlex: W4290932423
Cited by: 931
References: 142
Citations by year: 2026: 266 · 2025: 321 · 2024: 221 · 2023: 115
FWCI: 27.78
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: hybrid
doi.org
Licence: cc-by
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (unspecified)
Locations: Annual Review of Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Forgiveness and Related Behaviors
Keywords: self-compassion, self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, self-judgment, isolation, over-identification, compassion-focused therapy, mindful self-compassion, self-compassion interventions, well-being
MeSH terms: Self-Compassion, Emotions, Empathy, Humans, Judgment, Mindfulness

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