Kristin Neff
Psychologist who pioneered the research on self-compassion.
At a glance
Main ideas
Three components, Self-compassion is not self-esteem
See all 2Books to start with
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, Fierce Self-Compassion, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook (2018) …
See all 5Connections
Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive, Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout: Tools to Help You Heal and Recharge When You're Wrung Out by Stress and 4 others
See all 6
Also on this page: Key facts · Links · Sources · Related pages
- Kristin Neff is an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
- She ran the first academic studies of self-compassion.
- She created the Self-Compassion Scale, used widely in research.
- With Christopher Germer she developed the Mindful Self-Compassion programme.
Why it matters
- Most of what is known and taught about Self-compassion traces back to her definitions, scale and training.
Key facts
- Role
- Associate professor, educational psychology, University of Texas at Austin1
- Education
- BA in communication studies, UCLA; doctorate on moral development, UC Berkeley1
- Known for
- The first academic studies of self-compassion, and the Self-Compassion Scale (2003)1
- Co-founded
- The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, with Christopher Germer1
- Family
- Her son Rowan's autism and the family's trip to Mongolia are told in The Horse Boy (2009), by her then-husband Rupert Isaacson1
Main ideas
Books to start with
-
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself1
Her general-audience introduction (William Morrow).
-
How women can use kindness to speak up and claim their power.
-
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook (2018)1
With Christopher Germer (Guilford); the programme as exercises.
-
Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program (2019)1
With Germer; the guide for teachers.
-
Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout (2024)1
With Germer.
Connections
Writes
- Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and ThriveBookSelf-compassion researcher, University of Texas at Austin
- Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout: Tools to Help You Heal and Recharge When You're Wrung Out by StressBookSelf-compassion researcher, University of Texas at Austin
- Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to YourselfBookSelf-compassion researcher, University of Texas at Austin
- Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for ProfessionalsBookSelf-compassion researcher, University of Texas at Austin
- The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and ThriveBookSelf-compassion researcher, University of Texas at Austin
Links
Sources
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