The Role of Self-Compassion in Health and Well-Being

This chapter will introduce foundational knowledge about the construct and practice of self-compassion. Common misconceptions and barriers in relation to self-compassion will be addressed. Evidence supporting the benefits of self-compassion will be reviewed, including the association of self-compassion with less anxiety, depression, and burnout as well as increased measures of well-being which include happiness, life satisfaction, and physical health. This chapter will highlight why self-compassion is particularly relevant for resident physicians and how it can be used as an effective tool to help build resilience in the face of challenges inherent in the practice of medicine. Self-compassion interventions and exercises will be introduced in Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-45627-6_15, which is a practical and experiential complement to the current foundational chapter.