Self-Compassion
Kristin Neff, a University of Texas developmental psychologist and one of the original researchers to operationalize self-compassion as a measurable construct, makes the case that self-esteem is the wrong target. Self-esteem, she argues, depends on being above average, which means it fails exactly when people need support most. Self-compassion, by contrast, offers the same kindness a decent friend would offer without requiring a verdict on whether someone deserves it. Drawing on Buddhist tradition, her own research, and her experiences raising a son with autism and navigating a difficult marriage, Neff walks readers through the three components of the practice: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Published in 2011, the book became the canonical trade introduction to the field it helped establish.
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What you might want to know about Self-Compassion
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
Psychologist Kristin Neff makes the case that the antidote to self-criticism is not higher self-esteem but a practice she calls self-compassion, with mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness toward oneself.
Self-Compassion was written by Kristin Neff and published in 2011. Neff is a University of Texas psychologist who pioneered self-compassion research and developed the Self-Compassion Scale used in academic studies.
Yes. Kristin Neff's self-compassion research is widely cited in academic psychology and is supported by meta-analytic evidence. The book translates her research for general readers and is recommended in many therapy contexts.
Self-Compassion is 110 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, Self-Compassion takes most readers about 2 hours to finish.
Self-Compassion is a standalone novel by self love, not part of a series.
Self-Compassion is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.