Self-Compassion as Correlates to Mood States: A Basis for Stress Reduction Among Yoga Practitioners

Abstract

This study attempted to determine the correlation between self-compassion and mood states among Filipino yoga practitioners. Self-compassion, with roots in Buddhist philosophy, is postulated by Kristin Neff (Zeng & Wei, 2016) to provide a better way of seeing and accepting oneself as well as a healthier way of dealing with challenging situations. Yoga facilitates mindfulness and relaxation of the mind and body, thereby buffering negative thoughts and feelings. Self-compassion, yoga, and mood states are considered as predictors of psychological wellbeing (Nataraja, 2008; Neff & Costigan, 2014; White, 2014; Stolarski & Matthews, 2016). The Self-Compassion Scale or SCS of (Neff, 2003) and the Profile of Mood States or POMS (Grove & Paravessis, 1992) were administered to yoga practitioners from different yoga studios. Different yoga styles were practiced, among them, hatha, vinyasa, yin, and ashtanga yoga. Both scales were administered during a single visit to each studio. The frequency and duration of the practice of yoga differed from individual to individual. A Pearson r was computed between the total scores on the Self-Compassion Scale and the overall scores on the POMS, and between subscale scores of one scale and the subscale scores of the other scales. There was a significant, moderately strong negative correlation between the total self-compassion and total mood disturbance of the respondents (r = 0.460, p. < 0.000). A moderate negative correlation was found between the overall Self-Compassion score and the Tension subscale of the POMS (r = -0.46, p. < 0.000) and the total Self-Compassion score and the Fatigue subscale of the POMS (r = -0.406, p. < 0.000). All other correlations were weak. Only weak negative correlations were found between the total scores on the POMS and the subscales of the Self-Compassion Scale. The results of the present study are consistent with other studies on self-compassion and mood states. This study showed only that self-compassion and mood states in yoga practitioners are negatively correlated; that is, the higher the self-compassion, the lower the negative mood states. It assumes but does not show the role of yoga in producing self-compassion or regulating mood states. As a preliminary step, a program for stress reduction and relaxation is also proposed.