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Measuring feelings of self-compassion and stress in daily life : an experience sampling study

Wallisch-Prinz, L. (2020) Measuring feelings of self-compassion and stress in daily life : an experience sampling study.

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Abstract:Background. The construct of Self-compassion in positive psychology describes the understanding towards oneself when faced with shortcomings, inadequacies, or failures. Self-compassion interventions are frequently used to decrease stress and increase well-being. However, there is a lack of research on how these two concepts are associated on a daily level. This is important for the measurement of stress, because the stress experience in the moment, tends to differ from the recalled stress experience. Objective. The present study investigated the daily association between self-compassion and stress. Firstly, the association between Trait Self-Compassion and State Stress is analysed. Secondly, the association between State Self-Compassion and State Stress is analysed. Finally, it is analysed whether State Self-Compassion or Trait Self-Compassion are stronger associated with State Stress. If State Self-Compassion is higher, it would indicate an in the moment buffering effect of self-compassion on stress. If Trait Self-Compassion is higher, it might be an indication of planning ahead. Method. Over eight days a mobile experience sampling study with 35 college students (M age =20.65) was carried out. The Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to assess Trait Self-Compassion and Trait Stress. In the timespan of seven days, the students indicated on three different time points every day, how stressed and self-compassionate they felt. Results. Trait Self-Compassion and State Self-Compassion are significantly negatively associated. State Self-Compassion and State Stress are significantly negatively associated as well. Multilevel analysis suggests that the parameter estimate for Trait Self Compassion and State Stress (ß= -0.375, n=34, p<.001) is higher than the parameter estimate for State Self-Compassion and State Stress was (ß= -0.239, n=34, p< .001). Conclusion. Both Trait Self-Compassion and State Self-Compassion have possible potential to decrease stress. For further Self-Compassion based interventions for stress, it is potentially more effective to increase Trait-Self Compassion in order to decrease stress. More studies on State Stress are necessary to determine which approach is more effective in an actual intervention.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Clients:
University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/80787
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