Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion in Gay and Heterosexual Men: How They Relate to Childhood Memories, Shame, and Depressive Symptoms. Issue Volume 11:Issues 2(2017) (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matos, Marcela; Carvalho, Sérgio A.; Cunha, Marina; Galhardo, Ana; Sepodes, Carlos
• Is Part Of: Journal of LGBT issues in counseling. Volume 11:Issues 2(2017)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: depressive symptoms -- gay men -- heterosexual men -- psychological flexibility -- self-compassion -- shame; Gays -- Counseling of -- Periodicals; Lesbians -- Counseling of -- Periodicals; Bisexuals -- Counseling of -- Periodicals; Transvestites -- Counseling of -- Periodicals; Transgender people -- Counseling of -- Periodicals; 158.30866
• DOI: 10.1080/15538605.2017.1310007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1553-8605

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study explores differences between men who are gay ( n = 53 ) and men who are heterosexual ( n = 52 ) regarding memories of shame events and of warmth and safeness experiences with parents during childhood and adolescence, self-compassion, psychological flexibility, internal shame, and depression. Also, it aims to explore whether psychological flexibility and self-compassion play a role in the association between these memories and internal shame and depressive symptoms. Results confirmed the mediating role of psychological flexibility and self-compassion. These findings suggest the appropriateness of promoting acceptance and self-compassion towards difficult memories in a therapeutic setting with men who are gay experiencing shame and depressive symptoms.