ERIC Number: EJ1368741
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Mar
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: EISSN-1573-3432
"Self-Compassion Changed My Life": The Self-Compassion Experiences of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults and Its Relationship with Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing
Cai, Ru Ying; Gibbs, Vicki; Love, Abigail; Robinson, Ainslie; Fung, Lawrence; Brown, Lydia
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v53 n3 p1066-1081 Mar 2023
Self-compassion is a gentle way of relating to oneself, linked to a host of mental health benefits in non-autistic people. Although many autistic individuals report high anxiety and depression symptoms, no research to-date has examined the self-compassion experiences of autistic individuals and determined if self-compassion is associated with psychopathology. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to address this research gap. The participants (153 autistic and 93 non-autistic adults) completed on online survey and 11 autistic participants were also interviewed. Autistic participants reported significantly lower self-compassion than non-autistic adults, and in both groups, those with higher self-compassion reported higher psychological wellbeing and lower depression symptoms. Demographic predictors of self-compassion were identified. These findings have both clinical and research implications.
Descriptors: Adults, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Control Groups, Altruism, Self Concept, Well Being, Depression (Psychology), Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Predictor Variables, Mental Health
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A