Self-compassion Improves Parental Well-being in Response to Challenging Parenting Events

Abstract

Shame and guilt are common during the course of parenting and can reflect feelings of “bad self “and “bad behaviour” in relation to parenting events. Self-compassion is known to be beneficial for well-being by reducing negative emotions, yet there is little research examining whether self-compassion might reduce parental guilt and shame. The current study examined the effects of dispositional and induced self-compassion on guilt and shame in a sample of 167 parents (Mage = 37.23, SD = 6.73, 83.1% female) of children ≤12 years recruited online. After completing baseline measures, parents were randomly assigned to recall a guilt versus shame provoking parenting event, and randomly allocated to either a self-compassion prompt versus a control condition. Analyses confirmed that those who received the self-compassion prompt reported higher levels of self-compassion, and reduced feelings of guilt and shame compared to the control group. Effects did not differ as a function of the guilt versus shame instructions. Multivariate analyses revealed that, when controlling for dispositional self-compassion, and baseline guilt and shame, differences between conditions were maintained for post-manipulation guilt and shame. Findings extend our understanding of the role of self-compassion for improving well-being when dealing with the challenges of parenting.

Keywords:

• guilt
• parenting
• shame
• Self-compassion
• well-being

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fuschia M. Sirois

Fuschia M. Sirois is a Reader in Social and Health Psychology at the University of Sheffield, and former Canada Research Chair in Health and Well-Being. Her research focuses on personality as risk or resilience for health and well-being, and the role of positive psychology traits and interventions for enhancing self-regulation and well-being.

Susan Bögels

Susan Bögels is a psychotherapist and professor in Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Amsterdam. Her research concerns the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology and the effects of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy for children with psychopathology and their families. www.susanbogels.com.

Lisa-Marie Emerson

Lisa-Marie Emerson is a Clinical Psychologist with research interests in childhood anxiety, parenting and the role and application of mindfulness in childhood mental health and well-being. Her ongoing research projects in this area include mindfulness in primary schools, mindfulness and executive functions in childhood, and mindful parenting.