Self-compassion and parenting efficacy among mothers who are breast cancer survivors: Implications for psychological distress

Kuswanto, CN; Stafford, L; Schofield, P; Sharp, J

Author(s): Kuswanto, CN; Stafford, L; Schofield, P; Sharp, J;
Details: Publication Year 2024-04,Volume 29,Issue #5,Page 425-437
Journal Title: Journal of Health Psychology
Abstract: Mothers who are breast cancer survivors may experience psychological distress in relation to diminished parenting efficacy. Self-compassion may protect mothers from psychological distress, yet little is known about self-compassion in this population. The extent to which self-warmth (self-kindness, mindfulness and sense of common humanity) and self-coldness (self-judgement, isolation and over-identification) dimensions of self-compassion moderate parenting efficacy in predicting depression, anxiety and stress was examined in a sample of 95 mothers who were breast cancer survivors. Independently, poorer parenting efficacy was associated with more depression and stress symptoms. Within regression models, self-coldness was a direct predictor of depression, anxiety and stress, while self-warmth moderated the relationship between parenting efficacy and stress. Self-warmth presents as a potential protective factor for stress associated with poor parenting efficacy, while self-coldness is a potential direct risk factor for psychological distress. Mothers who are breast cancer survivors may benefit from self-compassion focused psychosocial interventions.
Keywords: Female; Humans; *Cancer Survivors/psychology; *Breast Neoplasms/psychology; Self-Compassion; Parenting; Mothers/psychology; Empathy; *Psychological Distress; Stress, Psychological/psychology; anxiety; breast cancer; depression; mothers; parenting efficacy; stress
Department(s): Health Services Research
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053231222162
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053231222162
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-07-11 01:47:35

Last Modified: 2024-07-11 01:48:11