Key Points
Rationale
Previous research indicates that self-criticism may contribute to psychotic symptom maintenance, frequency, and distress (Louise et al., 2018).
In contrast, self-compassion may have a protective effect (Braehler et al., 2013). However, less research has examined associations between self-criticism, self-compassion, and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), specifically in nonclinical populations.
As PLEs may signify a risk for developing clinical psychosis or other mental health issues, further investigating factors associated with them has value for informing early interventions (Kelleher et al., 2014; Unterrassner, 2018).
Method
Quantitative,cross-sectional,correlational.
Participants completed an online survey with the above measures.
531 adults (79.1% female) aged 18-78 years (M=26.40, SD=10.47) were recruited via Prolific Academic in the UK.
Most were White British (84.0%) and identified as heterosexual (88.5%). Just over half (54.2%) had an undergraduate degree or higher. Individuals with a current or lifetime psychosis spectrum diagnosis were excluded.
Linear regression models accounting for age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and educational level. Standardized beta weights (β) were reported.
Results
The self-hatred subtype of self-criticism positively predicted PLEs when accounting for demographics (β = .24,p< .001). In contrast, the self-inadequacy subtype did not significantly predict PLEs (β = .07,p= .067).
Self-compassion was not a significant predictor in the model (β = -.02,p= .632). Of the demographics, only educational attainment negatively predicted PLEs (β = -.13,p= .001).
Insight
This study provides initial evidence that self-criticism and self-compassion may be differentially associated with PLEs in nonclinical populations.
Specifically, feeling inadequate about one’s self may not relate to PLEs, while strongly disliking or hating oneself does.
In contrast, being self-compassionate appears unrelated. This nuance is informative for models of PLEs and related psychopathology.
The study also highlights the need for further research on these psychological processes in at-risk groups.
Strengths
Limitations
Implications
Conclusions
This study found initial evidence that the self-hatred subtype of self-criticism, but not self-inadequacy or low self-compassion, is associated with psychotic-like experiences in a nonclinical sample.
The findings highlight that self-hatred (Gilbert et al., 2004) may be an important psychological factor distinct from self-compassion in the context of subclinical psychotic phenomena.
Additional research establishing directionality and generalizability is warranted. Ultimately, confirming self-hatred as a risk or maintenance factor could have implications for preventative interventions aiming to reduce distress and improve functioning for those struggling with anomalous beliefs and perceptions.
References
Braehler, C., Gumley, A., Harper, J., Wallace, S., Norrie, J., & Gilbert, P. (2013). Exploring change processes in compassion focused therapy in psychosis: Results of a feasibility randomized controlled trial.British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 52(2), 199–214.https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12009
Friedman, H. L. (1983). The self-expansive level form: A conceptualization and measurement of a transpersonal construct.The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology,15(1), 37.
Gilbert, P., Clarke, M., Hempel, S., Miles, J. N. V., & Irons, C. (2004). Criticizing and reassuring oneself: An exploration of forms, styles and reasons in female students.British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 43(1), 31–50.https://doi.org/10.1348/014466504772812959
Kelleher, I., & Cannon, M. (2011). Psychotic-like experiences in the general population: Characterizing a high-risk group for psychosis.Psychological Medicine, 41(1), 1–6.https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291710001005
Kelleher, I., Devlin, N., Wigman, J. T. W., Kehoe, A., Murtagh, A., Fitzpatrick, C., & Cannon, M. (2014). Psychotic experiences in a mental health clinic sample: Implications for suicidality, multimorbidity and functioning.Psychological Medicine, 44(8), 1615–1624.https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291713002122
Louise, S., Fitzpatrick, M., Strauss, C., Rossell, S. L., & Thomas, N. (2018). Mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions for psychosis: Our current understanding and a meta-analysis.Schizophrenia Research, 192, 57–63.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2017.05.023
Nuevo, R., Chatterji, S., Verdes, E., Naidoo, N., Arango, C., & Ayuso-Mateos, J. L. (2012). The continuum of psychotic symptoms in the general population: A cross-national study.Schizophrenia Bulletin, 38(3), 475–485.https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbq099
Raes, F., Pommier, E., Neff, K. D., & Van Gucht, D. (2011). Construction and factorial validation of a short form of the self-compassion scale.Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 18(3), 250–255.https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.702
Unterrassner, L. (2018). Subtypes of psychotic-like experiences and their significance for mental health. In F. Irtelli (Ed.),Psychosis-biopsychosocial and relational perspectives(pp. 52–65). IntechOpen.https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.78691
Learning check
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
