Peer-reviewed article
Nurturing self-compassionate performers
Courtney Campbell Walton, Margaret S. Osborne, Paul Gilbert, James N. Kirby ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This paper discusses self-compassion as a mental health intervention for high-performing adults (athletes, musicians, actors, dancers) working in competitive environments. The authors argue that self-compassion may help reduce self-critical thinking and improve psychological well-being in these populations, and provide practical therapeutic approaches. The work is aimed at psychologists supporting adult performers, not children.
Key points
- Performers are exposed to stressors that increase susceptibility to mental ill-health
- Self-compassion can be cultivated in therapy and is associated with better mental health outcomes
- Some performers may resist self-compassion due to self-critical tendencies
- The paper outlines practical therapeutic methods for nurturing self-compassion in session
Limitations
This is a commentary and practical guide rather than an evaluation study, so it does not provide empirical evidence of effectiveness. The focus is on adult performers rather than children, making it outside the scope of child well-being research.
Abstract
Courtney C. Waltonab* , Margaret S. Osbornecd , Paul Gilberte & James Kirbyfg a Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australiab Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australiac Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australiad Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australiae Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health and Social Care Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UKf School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australiag Compassionate Mind Research Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, AustraliaCONTACT Courtney C. Walton courtney.walton@orygen.org.auABSTRACTPerformers, such as athletes, actors, dancers, and musicians, function within high pressure competitive and often hostile or critical environments. These individuals can be prone to a range of self-critical cognitions and behaviours which may make them susceptible to mental ill-health and psychological distress. Fostering and nurturing self-compassion is one approach to motivating behaviour and health which may be relevant within training and support settings. Self-compassion has been associated with a range of positive outcomes in the general community, as well as in those functioning in performance spaces, primarily sport. In this commentary, we outline why cultivation of self-compassion may be an increasingly valuable method for psychologists working with individuals from these environments, particularly within the context of a decimated industry during the global pandemic. We provide a brief overview of relevant research, before exploring practical and applied approaches (including transcripts) that can be used within therapeutic settings.KEY POINTSWhat is already known about this topic: Performers such as athletes, dancers, actors, and musicians are exposed to a range of stressors which can increase susceptibility to mental ill-health.Self-compassion can be cultivated in therapy and is associated with better mental health outcomes.Due to a range of hostile self-critical tendencies that are commonly seen in performers, some individuals may be resistant to concepts of self-compassion.What this topic adds: We outline a rationale for why psychologists working with performers should aim to nurture self-compassionate tendencies and practices.We outline methods and practical approaches to doing this in session, as well as describe potential hurdles and barriers for implementation.