On the Role of Self-compassion and Self-kindness in Weight Regulation and Health Behavior Change

Mantzios, Michail and Egan, Helen H. (2017) On the Role of Self-compassion and Self-kindness in Weight Regulation and Health Behavior Change. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. ISSN 1664-1078

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Abstract

The construct of self-compassion has been investigated in relation to health behaviors, health behavior change, and health outcomes such as regulated eating and weight loss. Self-compassion has been defined as a mindful awareness of oneself, which involves treating oneself kindly and understanding oneself during difficult and challenging times by realizing that such experiences are common amongst all humans (Neff, 2003a). Neff (2003a,b) described how self-compassion consists of three interrelated components: self-kindness (vs. self-judgment), common humanity (vs. isolation), and mindfulness (vs. over-identification). While the psychological benefits are well documented (e.g., Neff, 2011), the health behaviors and outcomes may require more consideration, and this opinion manuscript aims to shed light on potential problems in eating and weight issues. Initial findings of self-compassion in assisting regulated eating are promising, and are explored next.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	C800 Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences > Dept. Psychology UoA Collections > UoA 04: Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Depositing User:	Silvio Aldrovandi
Date Deposited:	15 Jun 2017 16:38
Last Modified:	15 Jun 2017 16:38
URI:	http://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/4672

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