Genevieve Kalnins (author)
Derrick Klaassen (thesis supervisor)
Janelle Kwee (second reader)
Terry L. Gall (external examiner)
Trinity Western University SGS (Degree granting institution)

2015

Counselling Psychology

thesis

Despite the spiritual roots of self-compassion, the impact of spirituality on the development of self-compassion has not been widely explored. The listening guide method and autoethnography were combined to explore the lived experience of self-compassion from a Christian faith perspective. The participant co-researchers’ narratives revealed three categories of voices. The voices of shame and criticism included oppression, internalized oppression, and judgment. These voices appeared as the participants discussed what makes self-compassion difficult. The voices of love and acceptance included connection, unity, openness, and warmth. Together, these voices were used as participants discussed their experiences of self-compassion. Finally, the voices of resistance included the voices of struggle and advocacy. These voices appeared to facilitate the development of self-compassion. This study offers a deeper understanding of the natural development of self-compassion and of how the Christian faith may facilitate or hinder self-compassion. Implications for counsellors, pastors, and future research are discussed.

Self-acceptance – Religious aspects – Christianity.
Compassion – Religious aspects – Christianity.
Security (Psychology)