Self-Compassion and Implications for LGBT Research
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
This poster presentation explores the application of self-compassion to LGBT research. According to Kristin Neff (2003a), self-compassion is an adaptive form of self-to-self relating that involves kindness toward self in instances of pain or failure, seeing personal experiences as part of the larger human experience, and holding painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness without becoming over-identified with them. Self-compassion has received increasing attention in counseling psychology research since Neff’s development and validation of the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003b). Current research shows self-compassion to be salient in areas of psychological difficulty and areas of positive psychological attributes (Neff, 2003a; Neff, 2004; Neff et al, 2007; Neff & McGehee, 2010; Raes, 2011; Shuman, 2012; Van Dam et al, 2011). This suggests the potential for self-compassion to be particularly meaningful for populations facing the constant paradox of simultaneous personal fulfillment and societal oppression, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations. LGBT-identified individuals live an authentic existence that has the potential for increased fulfillment and happiness; yet also ignites personal, familial, social, religious, and political challenges. Self-compassion research focused on LGBT populations may help to clarify the significance of self-compassion in many dimensions of LGBT-identified existence. This poster focuses on self-compassion related to positively coping with sexual orientation minority stress, navigating the coming-out process, and developing a positive view of LGBT life.
Start Date
4-13-2013 8:30 AM
End Date
4-13-2013 9:20 AM
Location
Commons Area - 1st Floor
Self-Compassion and Implications for LGBT Research
Commons Area - 1st Floor
This poster presentation explores the application of self-compassion to LGBT research. According to Kristin Neff (2003a), self-compassion is an adaptive form of self-to-self relating that involves kindness toward self in instances of pain or failure, seeing personal experiences as part of the larger human experience, and holding painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness without becoming over-identified with them. Self-compassion has received increasing attention in counseling psychology research since Neff’s development and validation of the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003b). Current research shows self-compassion to be salient in areas of psychological difficulty and areas of positive psychological attributes (Neff, 2003a; Neff, 2004; Neff et al, 2007; Neff & McGehee, 2010; Raes, 2011; Shuman, 2012; Van Dam et al, 2011). This suggests the potential for self-compassion to be particularly meaningful for populations facing the constant paradox of simultaneous personal fulfillment and societal oppression, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations. LGBT-identified individuals live an authentic existence that has the potential for increased fulfillment and happiness; yet also ignites personal, familial, social, religious, and political challenges. Self-compassion research focused on LGBT populations may help to clarify the significance of self-compassion in many dimensions of LGBT-identified existence. This poster focuses on self-compassion related to positively coping with sexual orientation minority stress, navigating the coming-out process, and developing a positive view of LGBT life.