A Qualitative Study Exploring the Impact the Self-Compassion App Has on Levels of Compassion, Self-Criticism, and Wellbeing

Self-guided, smartphone apps may be helpful in reducing symptoms associated with psychological distress and boost wellbeing, levels of compassion. To our knowledge this is the first study to examine impact a 28-day app based on Compassion Focused Therapy Compassionate Mind Training has participant’s compassion, self-criticism. The Self-Compassion App includes exercises, meditations, quotes, daily wisdom, audios, all which aim help individuals develop compassion for themselves, experience from others, more compassionate other people.<strong> </strong>The was explore participants’ experiences app, including ease use, preferred sessions, barriers, as well perceived well-being, self-compassion, self-criticism.<strong> </strong>Nine members staff eight students University Salford took part two focus groups; one approximately four-six weeks after use app.<strong> analysis highlighted themes: (1) <em>Thinking my differently </em>(2) <em>Soothing threat: Managing three systems </em>(3) <em>Stop, reflect, befriend self-critic </em>(4) <em>Looking me: therapist within</em> (5) <em>Fears, Blocks, Resistances </em>(6) back at good things life</em> (7) <em>Gender Therapist</em> (8) <em>An ap(p)t App. </em>Following participants reported that they were supportive connected their self, befriended inner critic, experienced gratitude, times personal struggles, reminded themselves present moment an opportunity applied.<strong> COVID-19 pandemic had, continues have, negative mental health many people. Therefore considering interventions utilise technology boosting self-criticism imperative.