Young Men’s Experiences of Receiving Compassion from Others: A Narrative Exploration

Authors

  • K. Jessica Van Vliet University of Alberta
  • Kenneth C. Murdoch University of Alberta
  • Brittany N. Budzan University of Alberta

Keywords:

Compassion, Gender, Gender Role Socialization, Counselling Men, Psychotherapy with Men

Abstract

The ability to receive compassion is essential for well-being and foundational to successful psychotherapy. Therapists must understand and attend to the unique ways in which men receive compassion when counselling males. However, research on this important topic has been limited. This qualitative study explored the meaning and experience of receiving compassion from the perspectives of young adult males. Utilizing narrative research methods, 10 themes were derived from 44 participants’ written compassion narratives. Suggestions for how counsellors may strengthen their compassionate exchanges with male clients and help them access compassion in their personal lives are discussed.

Author Biographies

K. Jessica Van Vliet, University of Alberta

K. Jessica Van Vliet is an Associate Professor in Counselling Psychology at the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. Her main research focus is on compassion, self-compassion, and mindfulness in lived experience as well as psychotherapeutic approaches for strengthening people’s compassionate and self-compassionate capacities.

Kenneth C. Murdoch, University of Alberta

Kenneth Murdoch is a Ph.D. student in counselling psychology at the University of Alberta. His primary research area is positive psychology, specifically, compassion, self-compassion, and hope. His interests also include men’s issues, gender-role socialization, and qualitative research.

Brittany N. Budzan, University of Alberta

Brittany Budzan is a doctoral student in counselling psychology at the University of Alberta. Her interests include self-compassion, qualitative research, and gender role socialization. 

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Published

2018-11-13

How to Cite

Van Vliet, K. J., Murdoch, K. C., & Budzan, B. N. (2018). Young Men’s Experiences of Receiving Compassion from Others: A Narrative Exploration. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 52(4). Retrieved from https://cjc-rcc.ucalgary.ca/article/view/61203

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 4 (2018): Regular Issue

Section

Articles/ Articles

License

Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.