Compassion Focused Therapy - 1
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Questions and Answers

How does compassion contribute to mental health according to the content?

  • It strengthens the threat system.
  • It creates a sense of shame.
  • It fosters self-criticism.
  • It enhances the capacity for emotion regulation. (correct)
  • What role do behavioral experiments play in compassion-focused therapy (CFT)?

  • They validate self-criticism.
  • They help clients learn the value of compassion through action. (correct)
  • They create barriers to emotional experiences.
  • They are not relevant to the process.
  • What is a significant challenge associated with self-criticism and shame in mental health?

  • They enhance personal courage.
  • They disrupt the capacity for inner affiliative systems. (correct)
  • They strengthen emotional well-being.
  • They promote inner affiliate systems.
  • Which aspect of the brain does compassion engage according to the content?

    <p>The affiliative brain systems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technique in therapy is mentioned to reveal the inner critic?

    <p>Chair work. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following abilities is linked to sensitivity to the needs of others?

    <p>Mentalizing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily affected by problems in processing others' needs or distress?

    <p>Social relating (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does receiving care in early life impact individuals?

    <p>It influences genetic, physiological, and psychological development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect differentiates individuals with psychopathic difficulties from those with genuine empathy?

    <p>Caring motivation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the caregiving social motivational system?

    <p>To support the development of empathy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evolutionary advantage do mammals gain from the motives to seek and respond to care?

    <p>Greater social bonds and attachment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Neff refer to as a dimension of self-compassion?

    <p>Common humanity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes the inner feeling of disconnectedness and separateness?

    <p>Personal loneliness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these personality dimensions is linked to sensitivity to others' needs?

    <p>Agreeableness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of signal do individuals with Asperger spectrum difficulties struggle to process?

    <p>Social signals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of loneliness is characterized by a lack of social opportunities for relating?

    <p>Social loneliness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes loneliness from solitude?

    <p>Solitude is always sought and enjoyed, while loneliness is not. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common percentage of individuals have reported feeling personally lonely according to Cacioppo & Patrick?

    <p>20% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which psychological perspective links the yearning for connectedness to cooperative living?

    <p>Psychodynamic theories (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key focuses of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)?

    <p>Feelings of separateness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do many authors characterize the nature of human existence?

    <p>We come into the world alone and die alone. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key focus in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)?

    <p>Stimulating affiliative motives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the interventions used in CFT to help balance the autonomic nervous system?

    <p>Breathing techniques (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an activity included in the compassion cultivation exercises?

    <p>Competitive sports (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the psycho-education phase in CFT aim to achieve?

    <p>Understanding the nature of the 'tricky brain' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is emphasized to cultivate a compassionate self?

    <p>Social construction of self (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate goal of cultivating a 'compassionate' self according to CFT?

    <p>To foster healthier emotional and motivation systems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the nature of the phases in CFT?

    <p>They are not necessarily linear. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of emotions does CFT aim to stimulate through its exercises?

    <p>Affiliative and compassionate emotions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of care and nurturance according to social mentalities?

    <p>The other (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which response reflects a feeling of being unappreciated or cheated in a social context?

    <p>Cooperation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which mentality does a sense of involuntary subordination often occur?

    <p>Competitive (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does the caring mentality necessitate from the other?

    <p>Input and support (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which combination of responses is indicative of someone feeling overwhelmed in a care-giving role?

    <p>Guilt and care (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feeling associated with sexual mentality when faced with rejection?

    <p>Unattractiveness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the cooperative mentality primarily value?

    <p>Contribution and sharing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the perception of the self in a competitive mentality?

    <p>Inferior or superior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which brain region is activated during compassion induction?

    <p>Midbrain periaqueductal gray (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Self-compassion is more beneficial in coping with setbacks compared to which of the following?

    <p>Self-esteem and striving for achievement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the posterior medial cortex play in pride induction?

    <p>It is associated with self-referent processing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to attachment theory, what primarily supports an infant’s survival?

    <p>Proximity seeking and security. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evolutionary advantage is suggested to arise from extended caring?

    <p>Support from a diverse group of caregivers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of early caregiving influences genetic expression and brain maturation?

    <p>Care and affection received. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant impact of interacting with multiple caregivers in infancy?

    <p>Enhances intersubjectivity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which practice is shown to help self-critical individuals take pride in their achievements?

    <p>Pride induction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Social Processing & Compassion

    The ability to understand and respond to others' needs, including recognizing and managing guilt, is crucial for healthy relationships and cultivating compassion.

    Empathy Variation

    People differ significantly in their capacity for empathy, influenced by genetics, cognitive skills (like mentalizing), and personality traits (like agreeableness).

    Social Signals & Challenges

    Difficulties processing social cues can hinder social interactions, as seen in individuals with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder.

    Psychopathic Social Skills

    Some individuals with psychopathic tendencies may possess the cognitive skills for empathy, but lack the motivation to act compassionately.

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    Care-Seeking Motives

    Humans (and other mammals) have evolved to seek and respond to care from others, which is crucial for survival and well-being.

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    Early Care Impacts

    Receiving care and affection in early life has a significant impact on development across physical, mental, and emotional domains.

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    Responding to Care

    Receiving care fosters feelings of appreciation, gratitude, safety, and calmness when stressed.

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    Attachment & Closeness

    The need for care and connection is linked to important attachment relationships and a sense of belonging.

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    Caring Mentality

    Focuses on seeking care, nurture, and support from others, viewing them as a source of safety and guidance.

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    Care-giving Mentality

    Focuses on providing care, protection, and support to others, seeing them as needing these things.

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    Cooperation Mentality

    Focuses on collaboration and mutual benefit, seeing value in shared efforts and contributions.

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    Competitive Mentality

    Focuses on relative position and power, often viewing others as inferior or superior.

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    Threat/Fear

    Conscious or unconscious feelings of danger or threat.

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    Sexual Mentality

    Focuses on attraction and desirability. How do people perceive others as attractive or not?

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    Input from others

    Seeking comfort, guidance, etc. A needed element for the 'caring' mindset.

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    Unavailable Others

    People who do not provide the required care/support. A threat to someone with a 'caring' mentality.

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    Common Humanity

    The understanding that suffering is a shared human experience, not unique to an individual.

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    Personal Loneliness

    An inner feeling of disconnectedness or separateness.

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    Social Loneliness

    Lack of social opportunities for relating.

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    Loneliness vs. Solitude

    Loneliness is a yearning for connection, while solitude is a chosen state of being alone.

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    CFT Focus

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CFT) focuses on feelings of aloneness and separateness.

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    Suffering's Alleviation

    Reducing or preventing suffering through compassionate engagement.

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    Evolutionary Social Processes

    The idea that compassion is rooted in social interaction and group living.

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    Human Separateness

    The inherent sense of aloneness, both physically and internally.

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    Compassion induction

    Activating the brain's midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) area, which is linked to pain perception, and parental care.

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    Pride induction

    A brain process activating the posterior medial cortex, responsible for thoughts about oneself.

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    Self-compassion

    Handles setbacks and failures in a positive, adaptable way.

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    Attachment theory

    Theory explaining parent-child relationships as crucial to specific types of care.

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    Extended caring

    Cooperative care from adults besides biological parents e.g., grandparents and aunts.

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    Intersubjectivity

    Interacting with multiple people from an early age; shared understanding.

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    Prosocial behavior

    Acting in a way that benefits others; caring behavior.

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    Brain system activation

    Different brain areas are activated by different emotions like compassion and pride.

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    Self-Criticism & Shame

    These are major mental health issues that interfere with our ability to connect with ourselves and others. They disrupt our emotional balance and well-being.

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    Threat System vs. Compassion

    Self-criticism activates our threat system, making us feel unsafe and anxious. Compassion engages with more affiliative brain systems, promoting calm and connection.

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    CFT: Working with Shame & Self-Criticism

    Compassion-Focused Therapy helps us replace self-criticism with self-compassion. It involves understanding our internal critics and shifting to a more understanding and caring perspective.

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    Emotional Experiences & Compassion

    CFT encourages us to experiment with new emotions through action. These experiences help us learn the value of self-compassion and compassion for others.

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    Chair Work in CFT

    This technique involves giving voice to our internal critics, helping us understand their origins and motivations. It's like having a conversation with our inner critic to gain insight.

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    Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

    A therapeutic approach that helps people develop compassion for themselves and others, focusing on reducing self-criticism and cultivating positive emotions.

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    Compassionate Self

    The inner sense of self that is characterized by warmth, empathy, and a desire to help others.

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    Cultivating Compassion

    Developing a compassionate self involves practicing specific exercises and techniques to increase compassion.

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    Compassionate Behaviors

    Actions that demonstrate care and concern for others, such as offering support, volunteering, or simply being kind.

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    De-shaming and De-personalizing

    This phase of CFT aims to help people understand that their struggles are not their fault, and to reduce self-blame and criticism.

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    Tricky Brain

    CFT acknowledges that our brains can be influenced by past experiences, leading to negative thoughts and emotions.

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    Affect Regulation

    The ability to manage and regulate emotions effectively without being overwhelmed.

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    Compassionate Motivation

    A strong desire to care for and help others, driven by empathy and understanding.

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    Study Notes

    Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

    • Rooted in evolutionary and functional analysis of basic social and emotional systems
    • Evolved brain potentially problematic due to destructive behaviors and mental health issues
    • Evolved motives and emotions for affiliative, caring, and altruistic behavior can offset destructive potential
    • Develops inner compassion as a way to organize the 'tricky brain' prosocially and healthily

    Practitioner Points

    • Human brain highly evolved for social processing and this is increasingly integrated into psychotherapy
    • Social roles (status, belonging, care) regulate emotion and regulate self
    • Many difficulties rooted in relational problems with feeling cared for, and feeling cared for in turn
    • Helping clients in social relational areas can effectively address mood issues, behaviour problems, and shame/self-criticism
    • Our understanding of our origins helps in tackling the challenges of being human

    Evolutionary Functional Analysis (EFA)

    • Human brain product of evolution, thus many mental health problems are also products of evolution
    • Human brain evolved for social processing, highly choreographed relationships crucial to mental health
    • Compassion can improve physiological and psychological well-being, including in people with severe mental illness
    • Motivational systems (e.g., competition, cooperation, caring) are implicated in mental health issues

    Motivational Systems for Interpersonal Relating

    • Competition/social ranking: Motivations for resources, territory, social status involve monitoring strengths/weakness and intentions of others
    • Cooperation/sharing: Evolved motives to be part of a group, promoting belonging and contribution to others. Starts in early childhood.
    • Caring/nurturing: Motivations related to care for others, and a desire to relieve others' distress. Closely linked to empathic and theory-of-mind competencies
    • Seeking and responding to care: Humans seek out care from others due to the immense benefits of receiving support and encouragement from others

    Evolutionary Functional Analysis (EFA)

    • Describes evolutionary functions of various emotional systems, in different contexts
    • Provides insight into the functions of various 'meaning-making' archetypes, defensive strategies, and mental health therapies
    • Adapted and integrated concepts to suggest social mentalities, distinguishing between social and non-social motivations
    • Processes like social mentality is more complex than predator-prey interaction, and is important in understanding interactions and developing social competencies and abilities

    Emotion Systems and Compassion

    • Emotions are unique from motives, providing moment-by-moment feedback in relationships, impacting motivation and action
    • Threat-protection system: Anger, anxiety, and disgust—identifying and reacting to threats; 'negativity bias' a prevalent feature
    • Positive affect systems: Joy, excitement—related to seeking and achieving; can become problematic when seeking is excessive
    • Contentment system: Calming, resting, and contentment—important, yet often overlooked—leads to feeling safe, peaceful, and content.

    Compassion Focused Therapy Core Features

    • Provides tools to engage with suffering without rumination
    • Compassion is not a weakness, but a way to build courage and take responsibility in changing stressful situations
    • Addresses issues of the 'tricky brain’ which may cause self-criticism and feelings of being unworthy or unloved which are related to shame
    • Identifies, cultivates, and integrates affiliative motives, emotions, and skills associated with a compassionate self, enabling greater well-being

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