Abstract
Self-compassion has been explored as a new intervention strategy for adolescents suffering from depression and anxiety. These two mental illnesses are increasingly prevalent among this age group due to a variety of factors, including transitional difficulties and social stressors (Muris, Meesters, Pierik & de Kock, 2016; Neff & McGeh ee, 2010). Studies have shown that individuals who practice self-compassion have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety (Bluth & Blanton, 2015). Conversely, insecure attachment, low self-esteem, and belief in the personal fable, symptoms common in depressed and anxious individuals, negatively correlate with self-compassion (Bluth & Blanton, 2015; Muris et al., 2016; Neff & McGehee, 2010; Raque-Bogdan, Ericson, Jakson, Martin, & Bryan, 2011). The components of self-compassion—namely self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness—appear to combat the negative psychological processes associated with depression, supporting the possibility of self-compassion as an effective intervention strategy for adolescents (Van Dam, Sheppard, Forsyth, & Earleywine, 2011). Additional research suggests that self-compassion is a more effective strategy than self-esteem interventions for combatting adolescent depression and anxiety (Marshall et al., 2015).
Recommended Citation
(2017)
"Can Self-Compassion Reduce Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents?,"
Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology: Vol. 12:
Iss.
2, Article 15.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/intuition/vol12/iss2/15