LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Explain the concept of ‘self-compassion’ and its three dimensions.
- Identify the advantages of practising self-compassion.
- Describe and practice self-compassion strategies.
Module introductiON
Building children’s self-esteem is believed to be the key to developing their positive self-image. Self-esteem helps them value their accomplishments, strengths, and capabilities [1]. At the same time, life is not always smooth sailing. Children need to be equipped with the emotional tools to face failures and setbacks with grace and resilience. Recent research suggests that building children’s capacities to practise self-compassion helps nurture resilience. In this way, practising self-compassion is not about minimising or dismissing the imperfections in one’s life, but rather, how children respond to them. The ability to respond positively and constructively to failure and setbacks has been shown to have a profound effect on their psychological well-being [2 - 4].
Self-compassion does not come easily to everyone, but it can be trained. Aside from parents, teachers can play a crucial role in cultivating a self-compassion mindset in children by creating a supportive and safe environment where they learn to embrace their struggles and failures as a natural part of the learning process [5]. Teachers can begin by modelling self-compassion and helping students understand that it is okay to make mistakes and to struggle. Additionally, difficult emotions and setbacks are common life experiences for everyone.
Teaching self-compassion to children can also help them develop a growth mindset [6]. That is, self-compassion can help children see their challenges and failures as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to feel discouraged or helpless. It can encourage them to keep trying, even in the face of negative feedback, and to believe in their ability to learn and improve. By cultivating a growth mindset through self-compassion, teachers can help children develop resilience, self-kindness, and a willingness to face challenges with strength [7].
References
1. APA Dictionary of Psychology [Internet]. [cited 2023 Apr 4]. Available from: https://dictionary.apa.org/self-esteem
2. Neff KD, McGehee P. Self-compassion and psychological resilience among adolescents and young adults. Self Identity. 2010 Jul [cited 2023 Apr 5];9(3):225-40. Available from:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15298860902979307
DOI: 10.1080/15298860902979307
3. Marshall SL, Parker PD, Ciarrochi J, Sahdra B, Jackson CJ, Heaven PCL. Self-compassion protects against the negative effects of low self-esteem: A longitudinal study in a large adolescent sample. Pers Individ Differ [Internet]. 2015 Feb [cited 2023 Apr 5];74:116-21. Available from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886914005157?via%3Dihub DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2014.09.013
4. Phillips WJ. Self-compassion mindsets: The components of the self-compassion scale operate as a balanced system within individuals. Curr Psychol [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Apr 5];40(12):5040-53. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02012-3.
5. Zhang H, Chen Y, Wei H. Self-compassion mindsets can predict statistics competence: a moderated mediation model. Curr Psychol [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Apr 5];40(5):2707-17. Available from:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2021.102047
6. Chen S. Give yourself a break: the power of self-compassion [Internet]. Boston MA: Harvard Business Publishing 2018 Sep [cited 2023 Apr 5]. Available from: https://hbr.org/2018/09/give-yourself-a-break-the-power-of-self-compassion
7. Li Q, Wu J, Wu Q. Self-Compassion Buffers the Psychological Distress from Perceived Discrimination Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Emerging Adults: A Longitudinal Study. Mindfulness. 2022;13(2):500-508. doi: 10.1007/s12671-021-01810-6.
KEY CONCEPTs
6.1 What Is Self-Compassion?
In our first video, we will learn about what it means to cultivate self-compassion with its three dimensions: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Get ready to deepen your understanding of this powerful and transformative tool for our social and emotional well-being.
Now that we have reviewed the three key dimensions of self-compassion, it’s time to test your understanding with a brief quiz! Please answer these questions to the best of your ability!
Great job, everyone! We hope the quiz helped to reinforce the importance of self-compassion and how self-compassion is built on self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Remember, showing kindness and understanding towards ourselves is essential for our mental and emotional wellbeing.
6.2 Responding to Suffering
In the previous section, we learned about the three dimensions of self-compassion. Now, we will delve further into the concept of responding to suffering and highlight the differences between self-compassionate and uncompassionate responses. By contrasting the positive aspects of self-compassion with its negative poles, we will reinforce the value of responding to our suffering with self-compassion.
What can self-compassion look like?
We hope that, so far, you have understood the key differences between self-compassionate and uncompassionate responses. Self-compassion can feel strange or difficult to practise. Yet, it is a powerful practice that can transform our response to personal failures, adversities, and inadequacies. In reality, self-compassion can manifest in a variety of ways depending on the person and their unique circumstances. It can look like speaking to yourself in a kind and supportive way, seeking out help and support when needed, and being mindful and present in the moment. Take a look at what self-compassion can look like below. Each of the examples below is an act of self-compassion. After reading them, click on the information icon to learn more about why!
Great job! You have just explored some examples of what practising self-compassion can look like in real life. We hope that these examples have helped you to better understand how you can bring self-compassion into your own life. Take a moment to reflect on these examples and consider which ones resonate with you the most. Are there any that you would like to practise more?
6.3 Self-Compassion and SEL Competence in the Classroom
We have explored the concept of self-compassion, its dimensions, and what it means to respond to our own suffering with self-compassion. In this section, we will discuss how self-compassion relates to SEL and how cultivating self-compassion can add positive value to our lives. We will examine how self-compassion can help us better manage difficult emotions, build stronger relationships, and navigate challenges with greater resilience.
6.4 Suggested Activities: Self-Compassion Competence in the Classroom
As we approach the end of our self-compassion topic, we would like to acknowledge that practicing self-compassion can be challenging, especially for those who are not yet accustomed to it. However, we believe that with the right tools and strategies, anyone can learn to practice self-compassion.Therefore, we encourage you to scroll through the slider below to find links to recommended activities that you can implement with your participants during the session to help them practise self-compassion. Exercise 1 and Exercise 5 in particular were developed by Dr. Kristin Neff - an expert in the study of self-compassion! Additionally, we have also included a link to a resource that lists strategy ideas for teachers to help their students develop self-compassion, so they too can benefit from this valuable skill.
At the end of the training session...
Demonstrate care for your participants’ views
Your participants’ views about the topic and training are valuable and can inform how future training modules are delivered. Conclude the training session by gathering verbal feedback – don’t forget to record these in writing!
● What new information did they learn during the training that they did not know before?
● In what ways do they think this topic will be useful for them in their work with students?
● What is their most valuable takeaway from the training?
Be sure to also collect your participants’ responses to the post-test and training evaluation form for more structured monitoring and evaluation!