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Self-Compassion as a Means to Improve Job-Related Well-Being in Academia

Author

Listed:
  • Aljoscha Dreisoerner

    (Goethe University
    University of Vienna)

  • Anamarija Klaic

    (University of Zurich)

  • Rolf Dick

    (Goethe University)

  • Nina M. Junker

    (Goethe University
    University of Oslo)

Abstract

Working in academia entails many challenges including rejections by journals, competition for funding or jobs, and uncertain job outlooks (for non-tenure staff), which can result in poor mental health and well-being. Previous studies have suggested self-compassion as a resource for mental health and well-being, but to date no study has been published that has tested interventions targeting self-compassion in academia. In this weekly diary study, 317 academics from Germany, Switzerland, and the US were asked to recall a negative event and were then randomly assigned to either a self-compassionate writing intervention, a three good things intervention, or an active control intervention, respectively. They also completed two surveys on four consecutive Thursdays measuring state positive and negative affect and job-related well-being (i.e., job satisfaction and work engagement). Using multi-level regression modelling, results showed that participants in the self-compassion condition reported more job satisfaction and work engagement due to experiencing less negative affect. Academics in the three good things condition showed no such effects. Results indicated that self-compassion in academia is a resource that enables emotion-oriented coping during difficult times or in challenging situations that may benefit academics’ job-related well-being. The study highlights both the importance of discussing well-being in academia and ways to strengthen it.

Suggested Citation

  • Aljoscha Dreisoerner & Anamarija Klaic & Rolf Dick & Nina M. Junker, 2023. "Self-Compassion as a Means to Improve Job-Related Well-Being in Academia," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 409-428, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:24:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-022-00602-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00602-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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