Younger_2017.pdf (4.22 MB)
An autoethnography of cultivating mindful self-compassion
thesis
posted on 2023-08-30, 17:16 authored by Mary C. YoungerThis research explores self-compassion and how it contributes to wellbeing. Research
indicates that self-compassion improves life-satisfaction, reduces inner-judgement,
counters burnout, strengthens resilience and motivation for self-care. The aim is to
investigate the process of cultivating self-compassion through engaging in Neff’s theory
of self-compassion. I wanted to develop practice, identify barriers and any
transformative aspects of self-compassion to understand how they could benefit me
personally and professionally as a psychologist. There is an absence of personal
stories from psychologists concerning their experience of occupational hazards,
burnout and managing self-care.
My research draws from a Buddhist perspective and is located within a Buddhist
Practical Theological paradigm. The research was conducted over one-year taking an
inductive, first-person approach combining the methods of autoethnography,
journaling, contemplative practice and critical reflection. Autoethnographic methods
were used to gather, analyse and interpret self-reflective material. My research
revealed how developing self-compassion reduced my inner-critic, sense of loss, fear,
depression and anxiety. It provided healing, acceptance, inner strength, resilience and
integration; personally, relationally and in social and environmental activism.
Professionally, self-compassion enhanced therapeutic presence and practice.
Researching self-compassion alongside Buddhist practical theology enriched my
Buddhist practice and reinforced the relevance of Buddhist praxis to contemporary
issues.
This research shows the power of story to deepen self-understanding, gain new
insight, re-story a life and challenge dominant discourses. The methodological
approach taken provides a valuable model for contemplative practice and research.
The research contributes to existing self-compassion research through elucidating the
process from a first-person perspective and has contributed to the field of Buddhist
practical theology. The capacity of contemplative practice to nourish and integrate
valued areas of life was also discovered. As a result of my findings I commend Mindful
Self-compassion personally and propose that it becomes integral to professional
training for psychologists and healthcare professionals.
History
Institution
Anglia Ruskin UniversityFile version
- Accepted version
Language
- eng
Thesis name
- Other
Thesis type
- Doctoral
Legacy posted date
2020-05-19Legacy creation date
2020-05-19Legacy Faculty/School/Department
Theses from Anglia Ruskin University/Faculty of Arts, Law and Social SciencesUsage metrics
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