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The role of self-compassion in the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults: a scoping review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2020

L. R. Tavares Open the ORCID record for L. R. Tavares [Opens in a new window] ,
P. Vagos  and
A. Xavier
L. R. Tavares*
Affiliation:
Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Instituto de Desenvolvimento Humano Portucalense, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 541/619, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
P. Vagos
Affiliation:
Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Instituto de Desenvolvimento Humano Portucalense, Centro de Investigação em Neuropsicologia e Intervenção Cognitivo-Comportamental da Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade de Coimbra, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 541/619, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
A. Xavier
Affiliation:
Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Instituto de Desenvolvimento Humano Portucalense, Centro de Investigação em Neuropsicologia e Intervenção Cognitivo-Comportamental da Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade de Coimbra, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 541/619, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Lúcia Rafaela Tavares, Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Instituto de Desenvolvimento Humano Portucalense, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 541/619, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal. Phone: +351 225 572 269. Email: 40734@alunos.uportu.pt.
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Abstract

Background:

The identification of protection factors regarding older adults’ mental health is essential. Self-compassion, the capacity to be kind towards the self during challenging times, may be one such factor. Although still scarce, some research in this field has already been conducted with older adults. Our research question was the following: what is currently known about the role of self-compassion in the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults?

Objectives:

To review any study designs, in any setting, where self-compassion and any indicators of psychological (mal)adjustment were assessed in participants aged ≥60 years.

Design:

A scoping review of English, Portuguese, and Spanish published and unpublished materials, using the EBSCOhost Research and PubMed databases and reference lists. Search terms included self-compassion, self compassion, older adults, elderly, seniors, and geriatrics. After screening and selection of the studies, we charted the relevant data.

Results:

Eleven published studies (2012–2018) were reviewed. Self-compassion was associated with, and a predictor of, diverse mental health indicators in older adults. Self-compassion was also associated with indicators of physical health, moderated the relationship between physical health indicators and mental health indicators, and mediated the relationship between diverse mental health indicators. Results were obtained with participants of different nationalities and age. All studies had a cross-sectional design, and most studies recruited well-functioning community residents.

Conclusions:

Self-compassion is beneficial for the psychological adjustment of older adults and may also benefit their biological functioning. Self-compassion seems particularly relevant for those experiencing more negative life events. Studies with more robust methodologies are needed in order to replicate these findings.

Keywords

nutritionpublic healthUS Armybehavioral health
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 35 , Special Issue 4: Issue Theme: Cognitive Resilience, Empathy, and Self-compassion , April 2023 , pp. 179 - 192
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2020

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