Self-compassion and shame-proneness in five different mental disorders : Comparison with healthy controls
Abstract
Background and objectives: The lack of self-compassion and shame-proneness may both be associated with a wide range of mental disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of self-compassion and shame-proneness in samples of patients with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, alcohol-addiction and in healthy controls.
Methods: All five clinical groups and healthy controls were administered scales measuring self-compassion (SCS) and shame-proneness (TOSCA-3S). Differences in self-compassion and shame-proneness were analyzed and effect sizes were calculated.
Results: All five clinical groups were found to have significantly lower self-compassion and significantly higher shame-proneness than healthy controls. The magnitudes of difference in self-compassion and shame-proneness, between all clinical groups and healthy controls, were all large.
Discussion: We hypothesize, that the lack of self-compassion leads to increased shame-proneness, which causes various psychopathological symptoms. The lack of self-compassion may therefore be important underlying factor causing many different mental problems.
Conclusion: The lack of self-compassion and shame-proneness proved to be TRANSDIAGNOSTIC FACTORS in five different mental disorders. We assume, that clients suffering from all these disorders may benefit from treatments or particular interventions that facilitate the development of self-compassion or shame management.