Handbook of Self-Compassion

This handbook highlights contemporary issues in self-compassion science and practice. It describes advances in the conceptualization and measurement of self-compassion as well as current evidence from cross-sectional and experimental research. The first section addresses the foundational issues of self-compassion, including its relationship to self-esteem and mindfulness. Taking a lifespan perspective, the second section of the book considers the developmental origins of self-compassion and its relevance across the life course, including among adolescents and older adults. The handbook explores the role of self-compassion in promoting well-being and resilience and addresses new frontiers in self-compassion research, such as the neural underpinnings and psychophysiology of compassionate self-regulation.In addition, the volume examines emerging issues in self-compassion research, such as the meaning of self-compassion for gender and sexuality minority groups. Highlights from the experimental literature include the cultivation of self-compassion among young people, the use of interventions to promote self-compassion, and the role of compassion-based interventions in clinical contexts. The handbook provides important insights for using self-compassion-based interventions in practice.This handbook is a must-have resource for researchers/professors, clinicians/practitioners, and graduate students in psychology, complementary and alternative medicine, and social work as well as all interrelated research disciplines and clinical practices.