Knowing your body and being compassionate with yourself

Campion, Maxine

Abstract

This portfolio thesis consists of four parts, a systematic literature review; a mixed methods empirical paper; a qualitative empirical paper; and supporting appendices.

Part One is a systematic review of the literature regarding how body awareness can affect well‐being. This review stems from ideas of embodiment and reciprocal influences and connections between mind and body.

The concept of embodiment also informed the development of an empirical investigation into the impact of compassionate imagery on affect and self‐compassion in a non‐clinical sample. This empirical study is divided into two papers, presented in Parts Two and Three. Part Two uses mixed methods to quantify the extent to which psychoeducation and meditative exercises can alter affect and self‐compassion. Additionally, participants’ interview responses to this experience are presented to add depth to the understanding of the clinical relevance of this practice.

Part Three offers a qualitative study to explore reactions to the concept of self-compassion in a non‐clinical sample. Participants emphasised the role of culture and systemic influences on their perceptions of their capacity to be self‐compassionate and the paper presents a brief exploration into possible reasons for this and methods by which these barriers could be overcome in order to promote well‐being.

Part Four comprises of appendices, including reflective and epistemological statements.

Citation

Campion, M. Knowing your body and being compassionate with yourself. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4217681

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Feb 18, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4217681
• Additional Information: Department of Psychological Health and Wellbeing, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jun 1, 2015