#KindGirlsInAction
The role of compassionate and competitive mentalities in adolescents’ mental health: A programme for the promotion of self-acceptance and self-compassion skills
The competitive context that characterizes modern Western societies and the requirement for performance / goals of excellence are considered crucial factors in the explanation of psychopathology in adolescence, particularly eating psychopathology among young women.
This project’s main goal is to develop, apply and test an innovative intervention program for female adolescents that integrates components of different 3rd generation psychotherapeutic approaches based on acceptance and compassion, which have shown promising results. The intervention aims to reduce maladaptive processes / patterns (social comparison, self-criticism, competition and / or avoidance) and to promote the development of adaptive processes (self-compassion and self-acceptance). Additionally, a longitudinal study will clarify the impact of the modification of these mechanisms on different psychopathological indicators, especially regarding body image and eating-related behaviours.
This work constitutes a new approach to adolescence, as a phase of particular opportunities for the development of a compassionate mentality and of affiliative skills, known as promotors of psychosocial well-being.
