Positive psychology: self-compassion and its role within mental health nursing

This is the eighth article in a series that explores the meaning of positive psychology and the importance of applying the latest research findings to improve the wellbeing of the mental health workforce. It will focus on the positive psychology intervention of developing self-compassion and considers how the workforce can experience its uplifting effects through contemporary use in the field of mental health nursing. This article will highlight the underpinning theoretical work of Kristen Neff, in relation to self-compassion. It will explain what the term self-compassion means and its effect on neurological changes when it is practised. Finally, it emphasises how the application of self-compassion can benefit the individual, the organisation and the client. The practical tasks provided in the boxes throughout the article will help the reader identify what self-compassion means for them and understand how to further develop its transferability through evidence–based, user friendly exercises.