The brain that longs to care for itself: The current neuroscience of self-compassion

Larry Stevens, Mark Gauthier-Braham, Benjamin Bush

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the absence of any published research literature directed to an investigation of the neuroscience of Self-Compassion, we present here a review of the extant research on subcomponents of this important “new” construct. It is hoped that through this reductionistic analysis, this review will inform and facilitate the beginnings of a body of research into the neuroscience of self-compassion. Additionally, a model is presented for a daily meditation on self-compassion which specifically incorporates these three subcomponents toward the installation of greater thoughts and feelings of loving kindness toward the self as well as an abiding sense of unity with personkind. Directions for research examining this model as well as the specific subcomponents are offered.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Neuroscience of Empathy, Compassion, and Self-Compassion
PublisherElsevier
Pages91-120
Number of pages30
ISBN (Electronic)9780128098370
ISBN (Print)9780128098387
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

  • Common-humanity
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Nonduality
  • Self
  • Self-compassion
  • Self-kindness
  • Self-reference

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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