The role of self-compassion in the well-being of self-identifying gay men. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beard, Kieron; Eames, Catrin; Withers, Paul
• Is Part Of: Journal of gay & lesbian mental health. Volume 21:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Gay men -- internalized heterosexism -- pride -- resilience -- self-compassion -- well-being; Gays -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Lesbians -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Homosexuality -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Bisexuality -- Periodicals; Bisexuality; Gays -- Mental health; Homosexuality; Lesbians -- Mental health; Psychotherapy; Periodicals; 616.8900866405
• DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2016.1233163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1935-9705

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The psychological literature has identified many benefits of self-compassion. In an effort to explore self-compassion as a potential resource for gay men, we explored relationships between self-compassion, well-being, self-esteem, pride (authentic and hubristic), attachment, and two minority-specific processes, outness and internalized heterosexism. A sample of predominantly White, self-identifying gay men (N = 139) completed an online survey consisting of demographic variables and questionnaires related to these constructs. Authentic pride, self-esteem, self-compassion, and outness were significantly positively related to well-being. Avoidant and anxious attachment styles and internalized heterosexism were significantly negatively related to well-being. No relationship was found between hubristic pride and self-compassion, or well-being. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the self-compassion components of self-kindness and isolation, the gay affirmation component of internalized heterosexism, outness, and the avoidance and anxiety components of attachment were significant predictors of general well-being. Results suggest that, in addition to developing an authentic sense of pride, self-compassion may be beneficial in cultivating well-being in gay men.