SELF-COMPASSION: ORIGIN, CONCEPT AND PRELIMINARY EVIDENCE

Abstract

This article reviews the concept of self-compassion, identifying its context and cultural background, distinguishing the different understandings on Buddhist culture and the western tradition influenced by modernity. In addition this article makes a review of the definition, from its inclusion in contemporary psychology. It also presents some preliminary evidence from studies on self-compassion, along with describing two programs that develop self-compassion in the clinical setting.