What is it about?

This article is the fifth in a series that celebrates the work of positive psychologists and how their work has the power and potential to influence mental health nursing practice. In this article, the work of Kristin Neff and her work on self-compassion is discussed.

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Why is it important?

There is little literature on how mental health nurses actually care for themselves, as they try to provide compassionate care in a very challenging job (Gerace et al, 2018). Mental health nurses provide care and compassion for patients and their families, often in cases where there are heightened emotions. Without self-compassion, they may not be as able to provide these skills.

Perspectives

From Buddhist principles to contemporary practice, self-compassion can be viewed as a protective measure because of its many beneficial effects. It is imperative that mental health nurses focus on their own mental health by practising self-compassion, which will improve understanding and prioritising their wellbeing. Mental health nurses must value caring for themselves as they do their patients. As with all positive psychology interventions, an intrinsic motivation to release its potential and to develop its power is required. Dr Kristin Neff has provided a blueprint on how to do this safely and effectively.

Mrs Jan Macfarlane
University of Bolton

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Positive psychology pioneers: Kristin Neff's power and potential to influence mental health nursing, British Journal of Mental Health Nursing, January 2023, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/bjmh.2022.0036.
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