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

Aljoscha Dreisoerner, Anamarija Klaic (), Rolf Dick and Nina M. Junker
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Aljoscha Dreisoerner: Goethe University
Anamarija Klaic: University of Zurich
Rolf Dick: Goethe University
Nina M. Junker: Goethe University

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2023, vol. 24, issue 2, No 1, 409-428

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Self-Compassion; Positive Psychology Interventions; Affect; Job-related Well-being; Academic Staff (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00602-6

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