A qualitative exploration of an autism-specific self-compassion program: The ASPAA / Chris EDWARDS in Autism, 28-6 (June 2024)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 28-6 (June 2024) . - p.1419-1430 Titre : A qualitative exploration of an autism-specific self-compassion program: The ASPAA Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur ; Abigail M.A. LOVE, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur ; Ru Ying CAI, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1419-1430 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autistic adults  intervention  online  qualitative research  self-compassion Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : As mental health concerns coupled with inadequate supports have been described as reaching crisis proportions in autistic people, there is a pressing need for accessible and effective support systems. While self-compassion has shown various benefits in the general population, its application in supporting autistic individuals remains limited. This study investigated the experiences of 39 autistic adults who participated in an autism-specific online self-compassion program. The program included a series of five modules which incorporated psychoeducation, meditation, and self-reflective exercises that were completed over a 5-week period. Qualitative data was collected through weekly check-ins and a post-program survey, which underwent thematic analysis through the lens of an autistic researcher resulting in four key themes: the positive impact of self-compassion, challenges faced during the program, recognizing self-compassion as a journey, and the value of program adaptations. These findings shed light on the experiences of autistic adults engaging with self-compassion interventions, highlighting both the benefits and barriers they encountered. The study underscores the importance of developing tailored interventions that consider the unique needs and perspectives of autistic individuals to promote improved mental health outcomes and foster inclusivity. Lay abstract Autistic people often struggle to find the right support for their mental health. We wanted to change that by trying a new approach to help autistic adults with their emotions and well-being. We focused on something called "self-compassion," which is a way of being kind and understanding toward ourselves. This approach has worked well for many people, but we didn?t know if it would work for autistic individuals. We invited 39 autistic adults to join an online program that taught them about self-compassion. The program lasted 5?weeks and included educational materials, meditation exercises, and self-reflection activities. We asked the participants for feedback each week and at the end of the program. From their responses, we discovered four important things. First, self-compassion had a big positive impact on the well-being of autistic adults. Second, they faced some challenges during the program. Third, they saw self-compassion as a journey that takes time and practice. Finally, they described how they valued changes to help autistic people engage with the program. Our findings show that self-compassion can really help autistic adults. We learned about the benefits they experienced and the difficulties they faced. Most importantly, we found that personalized support is crucial for autistic individuals. By creating programs that consider their specific needs, we can improve their mental health and make their lives better. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241234097 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=529 [article] A qualitative exploration of an autism-specific self-compassion program: The ASPAA [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur ; Abigail M.A. LOVE, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur ; Ru Ying CAI, Auteur . - p.1419-1430. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 28-6 (June 2024) . - p.1419-1430 Mots-clés : autistic adults  intervention  online  qualitative research  self-compassion Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : As mental health concerns coupled with inadequate supports have been described as reaching crisis proportions in autistic people, there is a pressing need for accessible and effective support systems. While self-compassion has shown various benefits in the general population, its application in supporting autistic individuals remains limited. This study investigated the experiences of 39 autistic adults who participated in an autism-specific online self-compassion program. The program included a series of five modules which incorporated psychoeducation, meditation, and self-reflective exercises that were completed over a 5-week period. Qualitative data was collected through weekly check-ins and a post-program survey, which underwent thematic analysis through the lens of an autistic researcher resulting in four key themes: the positive impact of self-compassion, challenges faced during the program, recognizing self-compassion as a journey, and the value of program adaptations. These findings shed light on the experiences of autistic adults engaging with self-compassion interventions, highlighting both the benefits and barriers they encountered. The study underscores the importance of developing tailored interventions that consider the unique needs and perspectives of autistic individuals to promote improved mental health outcomes and foster inclusivity. Lay abstract Autistic people often struggle to find the right support for their mental health. We wanted to change that by trying a new approach to help autistic adults with their emotions and well-being. We focused on something called "self-compassion," which is a way of being kind and understanding toward ourselves. This approach has worked well for many people, but we didn?t know if it would work for autistic individuals. We invited 39 autistic adults to join an online program that taught them about self-compassion. The program lasted 5?weeks and included educational materials, meditation exercises, and self-reflection activities. We asked the participants for feedback each week and at the end of the program. From their responses, we discovered four important things. First, self-compassion had a big positive impact on the well-being of autistic adults. Second, they faced some challenges during the program. Third, they saw self-compassion as a journey that takes time and practice. Finally, they described how they valued changes to help autistic people engage with the program. Our findings show that self-compassion can really help autistic adults. We learned about the benefits they experienced and the difficulties they faced. Most importantly, we found that personalized support is crucial for autistic individuals. By creating programs that consider their specific needs, we can improve their mental health and make their lives better. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241234097 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=529

''Self-compassion changed my life'': The self-compassion experiences of autistic and non-autistic adults and its relationship with mental health and psychological wellbeing / Ru Ying CAI in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53-3 (March 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 53-3 (March 2023) . - p.1066-1081 Titre : ''Self-compassion changed my life'': The self-compassion experiences of autistic and non-autistic adults and its relationship with mental health and psychological wellbeing Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur ; Abigail LOVE, Auteur ; Ainslie ROBINSON, Auteur ; Lawrence FUNG, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1066-1081 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Self-compassion is a gentle way of relating to oneself, linked to a host of mental health benefits in non-autistic people. Although many autistic individuals report high anxiety and depression symptoms, no research to-date has examined the self-compassion experiences of autistic individuals and determined if self-compassion is associated with psychopathology. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to address this research gap. The participants (153 autistic and 93 non-autistic adults) completed on online survey and 11 autistic participants were also interviewed. Autistic participants reported significantly lower self-compassion than non-autistic adults, and in both groups, those with higher self-compassion reported higher psychological wellbeing and lower depression symptoms. Demographic predictors of self-compassion were identified. These findings have both clinical and research implications. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05668-y Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=500 [article] ''Self-compassion changed my life'': The self-compassion experiences of autistic and non-autistic adults and its relationship with mental health and psychological wellbeing [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur ; Abigail LOVE, Auteur ; Ainslie ROBINSON, Auteur ; Lawrence FUNG, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur . - p.1066-1081. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 53-3 (March 2023) . - p.1066-1081 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Self-compassion is a gentle way of relating to oneself, linked to a host of mental health benefits in non-autistic people. Although many autistic individuals report high anxiety and depression symptoms, no research to-date has examined the self-compassion experiences of autistic individuals and determined if self-compassion is associated with psychopathology. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to address this research gap. The participants (153 autistic and 93 non-autistic adults) completed on online survey and 11 autistic participants were also interviewed. Autistic participants reported significantly lower self-compassion than non-autistic adults, and in both groups, those with higher self-compassion reported higher psychological wellbeing and lower depression symptoms. Demographic predictors of self-compassion were identified. These findings have both clinical and research implications. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05668-y Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=500

Self-compassion improves emotion regulation and mental health outcomes: A pilot study of an online self-compassion program for autistic adults / Ru Ying CAI in Autism, 28-10 (October 2024)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 28-10 (October 2024) . - p.2572-2585 Titre : Self-compassion improves emotion regulation and mental health outcomes: A pilot study of an online self-compassion program for autistic adults Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2572-2585 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : self-compassion  anxiety  autism spectrum disorder  depression  interventions-psychosocial/behavioral Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : People thrive in compassionate environments. For autistic people, their environments are often non-conducive to care and support. We propose that cultivating autistic people?s self-compassion may be an antidote to the mental health difficulties arising from environmental causes. The current study aimed to pilot a self-guided online self-compassion program for autistic adults to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes related to completing this program. The program was co-produced with autistic individuals. Thirty-nine autistic adults aged 20-77?years (Mage = 45.28, SDage = 11.92) completed the online program. They also provided feedback about their self-compassion practices every week. They completed pre- and post-intervention online surveys measuring self-compassion, symptoms of anxiety and depression, positive and negative affect, emotion regulation difficulties, and psychological well-being. As hypothesized, there were significant group improvements in all outcome measures. Preliminary results suggest that the program is feasible and accepted by participants. Approximately half of the autistic participants reported experiences of backdraft, which are adverse reactions associated with self-compassion practices. Based on our findings, we provided clinical recommendations on how self-compassion can be taught to autistic adults. Lay abstract Self-compassion is when we are aware of our feelings and thoughts, are friendly toward ourselves, and realize everyone feels pain and makes mistakes. Self-compassion is associated with having better mental health and well-being in autistic and non-autistic people. But we do not know if autistic people?s self-compassion can be improved through psychoeducation and self-compassion practices. We co-produced an online self-guided self-compassion program based on evidence-based self-compassion practices for autistic adults called the Self-compassion Program for Autistic Adults. This program included live-experiences videos of autistic adults reflecting on their self-compassion and self-critical experiences. This study piloted the program with 39 autistic adults. We wanted to see if these autistic adults' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved after completing this program. We found that the autistic participants' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved significantly after completing the program over 5?weeks. We also found that just over half of the participants reported experiencing negative reactions associated with self-compassion practices. We suggested some clinical implications, including a recommendation for emotion regulation interventions to incorporate self-compassion to help promote access to the affiliative system. In addition, autistic adults who are psychologically vulnerable may need to work with mental health professionals while developing self-compassion to help manage the possible negative reactions associated with some self-compassion practices. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241235061 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=536 [article] Self-compassion improves emotion regulation and mental health outcomes: A pilot study of an online self-compassion program for autistic adults [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Lydia BROWN, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur . - p.2572-2585. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 28-10 (October 2024) . - p.2572-2585 Mots-clés : self-compassion  anxiety  autism spectrum disorder  depression  interventions-psychosocial/behavioral Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : People thrive in compassionate environments. For autistic people, their environments are often non-conducive to care and support. We propose that cultivating autistic people?s self-compassion may be an antidote to the mental health difficulties arising from environmental causes. The current study aimed to pilot a self-guided online self-compassion program for autistic adults to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes related to completing this program. The program was co-produced with autistic individuals. Thirty-nine autistic adults aged 20-77?years (Mage = 45.28, SDage = 11.92) completed the online program. They also provided feedback about their self-compassion practices every week. They completed pre- and post-intervention online surveys measuring self-compassion, symptoms of anxiety and depression, positive and negative affect, emotion regulation difficulties, and psychological well-being. As hypothesized, there were significant group improvements in all outcome measures. Preliminary results suggest that the program is feasible and accepted by participants. Approximately half of the autistic participants reported experiences of backdraft, which are adverse reactions associated with self-compassion practices. Based on our findings, we provided clinical recommendations on how self-compassion can be taught to autistic adults. Lay abstract Self-compassion is when we are aware of our feelings and thoughts, are friendly toward ourselves, and realize everyone feels pain and makes mistakes. Self-compassion is associated with having better mental health and well-being in autistic and non-autistic people. But we do not know if autistic people?s self-compassion can be improved through psychoeducation and self-compassion practices. We co-produced an online self-guided self-compassion program based on evidence-based self-compassion practices for autistic adults called the Self-compassion Program for Autistic Adults. This program included live-experiences videos of autistic adults reflecting on their self-compassion and self-critical experiences. This study piloted the program with 39 autistic adults. We wanted to see if these autistic adults' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved after completing this program. We found that the autistic participants' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved significantly after completing the program over 5?weeks. We also found that just over half of the participants reported experiencing negative reactions associated with self-compassion practices. We suggested some clinical implications, including a recommendation for emotion regulation interventions to incorporate self-compassion to help promote access to the affiliative system. In addition, autistic adults who are psychologically vulnerable may need to work with mental health professionals while developing self-compassion to help manage the possible negative reactions associated with some self-compassion practices. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613241235061 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=536

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