Beyond trait models of self-criticism and self-compassion: Variability over domains and the search for signatures

Candidate mechanisms of action of mindfulness-based trauma recovery for refugees (MBTR-R): Self-compassion and self-criticism.

“…Such findings may have a variety of implications. This set of findings is consistent with theory arguing that though self-compassion and self-criticism may both be forms of self-referentiality, they do not appear to be mere bi-dimensional expressions of one another (Muris & Otgaar, 2020; Zuroff et al, 2021). Indeed, scholars have theorized that whereas self-criticism is more typically a stable, habitual, and internalized or automatic form of self-referentiality (Blatt & Zuroff, 1992; Hermanto et al, 2016), self-compassion may be a more intentional or effortful process dependent on self-awareness, mentalizing, and reflection (Gilbert, 2019; Gu et al, 2020).…”

“…Fourth, findings are relevant to ongoing discourse on interrelations between self-compassion and self-criticism, their shared/unique role in (mal)adaptive self-referentiality (Brenner et al, 2017; Hermanto et al, 2016; Zuroff et al, 2021), and, in turn, how they may be optimally conceptualized and measured (Gu et al, 2020; Muris & Petrocchi, 2017; Neff, 2016; Strauss et al, 2016). In the past, the psychometric robustness of the widely used Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003a) has been questioned (Muris, 2016; Muris & Otgaar, 2020; Williams et al, 2014).…”

“…Indeed, scholars have theorized that whereas self-criticism is more typically a stable, habitual, and internalized or automatic form of self-referentiality (Blatt & Zuroff, 1992; Hermanto et al, 2016), self-compassion may be a more intentional or effortful process dependent on self-awareness, mentalizing, and reflection (Gilbert, 2019; Gu et al, 2020). Consequently, maladaptive forms of self-referentiality, such as self-criticism, may to some extent be present in parallel to, and independent of, adaptive forms of self-referentiality such as self-compassion (Gilbert & Irons, 2004; Zuroff et al, 2021). As a result, responding with compassion and equanimity to self-criticism, rather than with shame and feelings of inferiority, may help to buffer the toxicity of self-criticism for mental health problems (Hermanto et al, 2016; Whelton & Greenberg, 2005).…”

“…It may be important to examine whether self-compassion and self-criticism are also causal mechanisms in these intervention approaches. Indeed, it may be useful to test whether (mal)adaptive self-referentiality functions as a universal causal mechanism in trauma recovery among refugees and asylum-seekers across interventions; or whether, and perhaps more likely, such therapeutic change mechanisms may be specific to mindfulness-and compassion-based interventions(Baer, 2010;Keng et al, 2012;Wilson et al, 2019).Fourth, findings are relevant to ongoing discourse on interrelations between self-compassion and self-criticism, their shared/ unique role in (mal)adaptive self-referentiality(Brenner et al, 2017;Hermanto et al, 2016;Zuroff et al, 2021), and, in turn, how they may be optimally conceptualized and measured(Gu et al, 2020;Muris & Petrocchi, 2017;Neff, 2016;Strauss et al, 2016). In the past, the psychometric robustness of the widely used Self-Compassion Scale(Neff, 2003a) has been questioned(Muris, 2016;Muris & Otgaar, 2020;Williams et al, 2014).…”

Exploring the Link Between Self-compassion and Compulsive Exercise Amongst Women

“…A growing body of literature has identified self-criticism as a transdiagnostic feature across different psychopathologies, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders (Goss & Allan, 2014). Individuals with greater levels of self-criticism may be engaged in (a) constant and harsh evaluation and scrutiny towards the self; and (b) having a persistent fear of being judged and disapproved (Blatt & Zuroff, 1992;Zuroff et al, 2021). According to Gilbert et al (2004), self-criticism involves different forms (e.g.…”