The Influence of a Self-Compassion Training Program on Romantic Relationship Conflict: An Exploratory Multiple-Case Study

Authors

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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47634/cjcp.v55i3.71052

Abstract

Separation and divorce are common occurrences in the Western world. Given that a transition out of a marriage can increase psychological distress in the members of the couple as well as in their children, preventive interventions are crucial for avoiding serious ruptures and for increasing relationship strength and resilience. A potential option for clinicians is to use interventions designed to increase self-compassion. This multiple-case study explored the influence of a self-compassion intervention on conflict within romantic relationships. Three women completed a self-compassion training CD, six sets of online questions, and two semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to construct detailed accounts of each participant’s experience. Participants perceived that self-compassion helped them to de-escalate conflict, increase self-awareness and self-acceptance, and facilitate perspective taking. This study may help inform future relationship interventions.

Author Biographies

Brittany N. Budzan, University of Alberta

Brittany N. Budzan is a PhD candidate in counselling psychology in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. Her research interests include self-compassion and the influence of self-compassion on 2SLGBTQ+ populations. She is also a registered psychologist in the province of Alberta.

K. Jessica Van Vliet, University of Alberta

K. Jessica Van Vliet is a professor of counselling psychology at the University of Alberta. Her main research focus is on compassion, self-compassion, and mindfulness in lived experience as well as counselling approaches for strengthening people’s compassionate and self-compassionate capacities.

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Published

2021-12-03

How to Cite

Budzan, B. N., & Van Vliet, K. J. (2021). The Influence of a Self-Compassion Training Program on Romantic Relationship Conflict: An Exploratory Multiple-Case Study. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 55(3), 315–333. https://doi.org/10.47634/cjcp.v55i3.71052

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Articles/ Articles