ASU researchers study benefits of self-compassion for parents

A study from Arizona State University found parents who practice self-compassion develop fewer depressive symptoms. Researchers say being kind to oneself can help provide relief during times of stress.

The study analyzed the caregivers of twin children during an eight-year period with almost forty percent of those participants living below or near the poverty line.

Previous research has found that parents often judge themselves, especially when under stress.

Mary Davis, a professor with ASU’s Department of Psychology, says self-compassion is something that parents can learn over time.

“It's not an all or none kind of proposition. You have it or you don't. We can have it and we can develop more of it," she said.

Previous research has found that parents often judge themselves, especially when under stress.

“It takes relatively little time on a regular basis to try to think about and reflect on how we speak with ourselves and catch ourselves in those moments when we're not speaking kindly, that if we do that regularly, we can actually develop more self-compassion, which is linked with all sorts of good things," she said.

Davis said self-compassion can also lead to better emotional and stress regulation for parents.