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A multinational study of self‐compassion and human immunodeficiency virus‐related anxiety
Author(s) -
Kemppainen J.,
Johnson M.O.,
Phillips J.C.,
Sullivan K.M.,
Corless I.B.,
Reid P.,
Iipinge S.,
Chaiphibalsarisdi P.,
Sefcik E.,
Chen W.T.,
Kirksey K.,
Voss J.,
RiveroMéndez M.,
TyerViola L.,
Dawson Rose C.,
Webel A.,
Nokes K.,
Portillo C.,
Holzemer W.L.,
Eller L.,
Nicholas P.,
Wantland D.,
Brion J.,
Beamon E.R.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international nursing review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1466-7657
pISSN - 0020-8132
DOI - 10.1111/inr.12056
Subject(s) - self compassion , anxiety , psychology , psychopathology , compassion , population , multinational corporation , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , mindfulness , environmental health , political science , law
Aim This study represents an initial effort at examining the association between the construct of self‐compassion and human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV )‐related anxiety in a multinational population with HIV disease.Background Previous studies have found that self‐compassion is a powerful predictor of mental health, demonstrating positive and consistent linkages with various measures of affect, psychopathology and well‐being, including anxiety. Methods Cross‐sectional data from a multinational study conducted by the members of the I nternational N ursing N etwork for HIV Research ( n = 1986) were used. The diverse sample included participants from C anada, C hina, N amibia, the U nited S tates of A merica and the territory of P uerto R ico. Study measures included the anxiety subscale of the S ymptom C hecklist‐90 instrument, the B rief V ersion S elf‐ C ompassion I nventory and a single item on anxiety from the R evised S ign and S ymptom C hecklist. Findings Study findings show that anxiety was significantly and inversely related to self‐compassion across participants in all countries. We examined gender differences in self‐compassion and anxiety, controlling for country. Levels of anxiety remained significantly and inversely related to self‐compassion for both males ( P = 0.000) and females ( P = 0.000). Levels of self‐compassion and anxiety varied across countries. Conclusions Self‐compassion is a robust construct with cross‐cultural relevance. A culturally based brief treatment approach aimed at increasing self‐compassion may lend itself to the development of a cost effective adjunct treatment in HIV disease, including the management of anxiety symptoms.