Download or read book The Relationship Between Self compassion and Disordered Eating Behaviors written by Angela Danielle Finley-Straus and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The concept of self-compassion has been gathering interest for researchers in recent years, as it appears to offer an array of benefits to wellbeing. This study investigated the potential role of self-compassion as a protective factor against disordered eating behaviors. It also examined the mediating roles of three potential variables: body dissatisfaction, perfectionism and contingent self-worth. Given modern representations of the female ideal, failure to achieve or adequately conform to such standards often poses psychological challenges for women and girls. Self-compassion encompasses kind, mindful self-treatment and may be an ideal protective factor against disordered eating. It has also been linked with lower body dissatisfaction, maladaptive perfectionism, and contingent self-worth. The present study found that dissatisfaction with one's body, as well as a tendency to judge one's personal worth based on appearance fully mediated the relationship between self-compassion and both restrained and emotional disordered eating respectively. Therefore, a self-compassionate attitude may serve as a protective factor against engaging in disordered eating vis-à-vis strengthening young women's abilities to look at their bodies in a more compassionate and unconditionally accepting way.

Download or read book Handbook of Positive Body Image and Embodiment written by Niva Piran and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-04-02 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For five decades, negative body image has been a major focus of study due to its association with psychological and social morbidity, including eating disorders. However, more recently the body image construct has broadened to include positive ways of living in the body, enabling greater understanding of embodied well-being, as well as protective factors and interventions to guide the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Handbook of Positive Body Image and Embodiment is the first comprehensive, research-based resource to address the breadth of innovative theoretical concepts and related practices concerning positive ways of living in the body, including positive body image and embodiment. Presenting 37 chapters by world-renowned experts in body image and eating behaviors, this state-of-the-art collection delineates constructs of positive body image and embodiment, as well as social environments (such as families, peers, schools, media, and the Internet) and therapeutic processes that can enhance them. Constructs examined include positive embodiment, body appreciation, body functionality, body image flexibility, broad conceptualization of beauty, intuitive eating, and attuned sexuality. Also discussed are protective factors, such as environments that promote body acceptance, personal safety, diversity, and activism, and a resistant stance towards objectification, media images, and restrictive feminine ideals. The handbook also explores how therapeutic interventions (including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Dissonance, and many more) and public health and policy initiatives can inform scholarly, clinical, and prevention-based work in the field of eating disorders.

Download or read book Body Work written by Patsy Nettie Paterson and published by Gaius Quill Publishing . This book was released on 2024-03-06 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Body Work: How to Transform Your Relationship with Eating and Overcome Binge Habits "Body Work: How to Transform Your Relationship with Eating and Overcome Binge Habits" is a groundbreaking guide that offers a compassionate and comprehensive approach to redefining your relationship with food and your body. This book delves deep into the psychological, emotional, and lifestyle factors contributing to binge eating and disordered eating habits, providing readers with the insights and tools needed to embark on a journey toward healing and self-discovery. Written with empathy and expertise, "Body Work" combines the latest research in nutrition, psychology, and holistic health to create a multidimensional strategy for wellness. It acknowledges the complexity of eating disorders and binge habits, moving beyond simplistic solutions and quick fixes to address the root causes of these behaviors. Through a series of chapters, the book explores the importance of balanced nutrition, the benefits of integrating physical activity into daily life, the critical role of sleep and stress management, and the power of mindfulness and self-compassion. "Body Work" encourages readers to develop a healthier, more nurturing relationship with food-one that honors their body's needs, respects its signals, and celebrates its capabilities. "Body Work" is not just a manual for changing eating habits; it's a guide to transforming your life. It offers practical tips for meal planning, stress reduction, improving sleep quality, and finding joy in movement, all while fostering a deeper connection with oneself. With personal stories, guided reflections, and actionable steps, this book empowers readers to reclaim control over their eating habits and body image, leading them toward lasting change and true well-being.

Download or read book The Impact of Varieties of Shame on Disordered Eating written by Tiffany Ann Hopkins and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The current study examined the impact of specific forms of shame on severity of specific disordered eating behaviors among women who engaged in restricting, bingeeating, purging/compensatory behaviors, or binge eating and purging in combination, after controlling for depression and guilt. Additionally, the study examined whether selfcompassion and emotion regulation mediated the relation between various forms of shame and disordered eating severity. Finally, the study piloted an internet-based method of self-compassion induction. Participants (N = 518) were a convenience sample of women recruited from websites associated with eating disorders, who reported engagement in at least one disordered eating behavior in the prior month. Results suggested that in women who engaged in only binge-eating (n = 109), binge eating severity was predicted by depression and eating-related shame. Among women who engaged in only purging/compensatory behaviors (n = 68), guilt, externalized shame, and internalized bodily shame were predictive of purging severity at the trend level. Among women who engaged in a combination of binge-eating and purging (n = 304), bingeeating/ purging severity was predicted by both guilt and eating-related shame, although the relationship with guilt was no longer significant after accounting for eating-related shame. Regression analyses were too underpowered to detect statistical effects among women who engaged in caloric restriction alone (n = 37); however, correlational data suggested moderate relationships between restriction severity and internalized bodily, eating-related, externalized general, and externalized bodily shame. Emotion regulation partially mediated the relation between eating-related shame and binge-eating/purging severity; however, no other significant relationships between specific types of shame and disordered eating severity were mediated by either emotion regulation or selfcompassion. Finally, the internet-based self-compassion induction administered at the end of the study resulted in significantly decreased levels of all five forms of shame, compared to levels of shame at baseline and following a shame prime. --Page ii.

Download or read book The Wiley Handbook of Eating Disorders written by Linda Smolak and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-09-08 with total page 1027 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This groundbreaking two-volume handbook provides a comprehensive collection of evidence-based analyses of the causes, treatment, and prevention of eating disorders. A two-volume handbook featuring contributions from an international group of experts, and edited by two of the leading authorities on eating disorders and body image research Presents comprehensive coverage of eating disorders, including their history, etiological factors, diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and treatment Tackles controversies and previously unanswered questions in the field Includes coverage of DSM-5 and suggestions for further research at the end of each chapter 2 Volumes

Download or read book The Oxford Handbook of Hypo egoic Phenomena written by Kirk Warren Brown and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2017 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Egoicism, a mindset that places primary focus upon oneself, is rampant in contemporary Western cultures as commercial advertisements, popular books, song lyrics, and mobile apps consistently promote self-interest. Consequently, researchers have begun to address the psychological, interpersonal, and broader societal costs of excessive egoicism and to investigate alternatives to a "me and mine first" mindset. For centuries, scholars, spiritual leaders, and social activists have advocated a "hypo-egoic" way of being that is characterized by less self-concern in favor of a more inclusive "we first" mode of functioning. In recent years, investigations of hypo-egoic functioning have been examined by psychologists, cognitive scientists, neuroscientists, and philosophers. Edited by Kirk Warren Brown and Mark R. Leary, The Oxford Handbook of Hypo-egoic Phenomena brings together an expert group of contributors to examine these groundbreaking lines of inquiry, distilling current knowledge about hypo-egoicism into an exceptional resource. In this volume, readers will fi nd theoretical perspectives from philosophy and several major branches of psychology to inform our understanding of the nature of hypo-egoicism and its expressions in various domains of life. Further, readers will encounter psychological research discoveries about particular phenomena in which hypo-egoicism is a prominent feature, demonstrating its implications for well-being, regulation of emotion, adaptive decision-making, positive social relations, and other markers of human happiness, well-being, and health. This Handbook offers the most comprehensive and thoughtful analyses of hypo-egoicism to date.

Download or read book Associations Among Self compassion Stress and Eating Behavior in College Freshmen written by Darith James and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the past decade, research has demonstrated the relationship between higher levels of self-compassion and lower levels of negative psychological outcomes. More recently, the concept of self-compassion has been explored within the context of various health behaviors. Very few studies have investigated the potential relationship between self-compassion and eating behaviors. Based on literature and the established relationship between negative self-evaluation and abnormal eating behaviors/eating disorders, the current study sought to examine correlations between self-compassion, eating behaviors, and stress in first time college freshmen. The study population consisted of 1478 participants; ages 18-22 years; females = 936 (63%), males = 541 (37%). Participants self-reported measures of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and the Self Compassion Scale (SCS). PSS score, the overall score and individual subscale scores of SCS, and the three subscale scores of the TFEQ (restraint, disinhibiton, hunger) were examined with Pearson correlations. Results of this study indicate significant (p =

Download or read book Feasting on Emotions written by Sara Parkes and published by eBookIt.com. This book was released on 2024-03-04 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Feast No More: Navigating the Labyrinth of Binge Eating Embark on a transformative journey that ventures deep into the caverns of the mind and the labyrinth of the body with "Feasting on Emotions: The Psychology of Binge Eating." This insightful tome offers a piercing examination of Binge Eating Disorder (BED), a companion for those who feel lost in their struggle with food, and a beacon of hope for those seeking change. Peel back the layers of misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding BED, starting from a comprehensive definition of the disorder to its distinction from other eating behaviors. Our guide illuminates the shadows, providing tools for self-identification, fostering an understanding of the complex psychological underpinnings and emotional triggers that lead to binge eating, and outlining a clear path toward the realization and acceptance of a diagnosis. Dive into the very fibers that make up the connection between body and mind, exploring not only the emotional landscape but also the physiological aspects of BED. Understand how hormones and brain chemistry conspire in this condition, and how cycles of binge eating take a toll on physical health. With your newfound understanding, forge a way forward with actionable, evidence-based strategies for prevention and management. The book lays out nutritional guidance, insightful coping mechanisms for emotional turbulence, and proactive methods to reform your relationship with food. Explore the nuances of various treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, and learn how to maintain progress and prevent relapse with valuable, sustainable strategies for long-term recovery. "Feasting on Emotions" extends beyond personal struggle, examining the role of community, advocacy, and societal norms in shaping both the problem and its solutions. With a vision for the future, it opens a discussion on where research and treatments are headed, equipped with resources, further reading, and practical checklists in its appendices. For anyone touched by BED, this book is an indispensable resource, a comforting friend, and a promise of a healthier, more empowered tomorrow.

Download or read book The Application of the Third Generation of Cognitive Behavioral Approaches to Parenting written by Helena Moreira and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2019-12-10 with total page 207 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how the third generation of cognitive-behavioral approaches, particularly mindfulness-, compassion-, and acceptance-based approaches, can contribute to the design of more efficacious parenting interventions and to a better understanding of parenting behaviors and the parent-child relationship. However, the application of third-generation cognitive-behavioral therapies and concepts to parenting is still in its infancy, and further research is needed to explore the potential of these approaches to enhance existing parenting interventions or to inform the development of new parenting interventions targeting different groups of parents and their children. More research is also needed to understand how mindfulness, (self-)compassion, acceptance and other related psychological processes may influence parenting practices, the parent-child relationship, and the child’s socioemotional development. With this e-book, presenting state-of-the-art research articles on third generation cognitive-behavioral approaches, a new step is taken in 1) exploring relations between parenting-related issues and concepts from the third generation cognitive-behavioral framework, and 2) examining parenting-interventions informed by third-generation cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Download or read book The Oxford Handbook of Compassion Science written by Emma M. Seppälä and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2017-09-26 with total page 557 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How do we define compassion? Is it an emotional state, a motivation, a dispositional trait, or a cultivated attitude? How does it compare to altruism and empathy? Chapters in this Handbook present critical scientific evidence about compassion in numerous conceptions. All of these approaches to thinking about compassion are valid and contribute importantly to understanding how we respond to others who are suffering. Covering multiple levels of our lives and self-concept, from the individual, to the group, to the organization and culture, The Oxford Handbook of Compassion Science gathers evidence and models of compassion that treat the subject of compassion science with careful scientific scrutiny and concern. It explores the motivators of compassion, the effect on physiology, the co-occurrence of wellbeing, and compassion training interventions. Sectioned by thematic approaches, it pulls together basic and clinical research ranging across neurobiological, developmental, evolutionary, social, clinical, and applied areas in psychology such as business and education. In this sense, it comprises one of the first multidisciplinary and systematic approaches to examining compassion from multiple perspectives and frames of reference. With contributions from well-established scholars as well as young rising stars in the field, this Handbook bridges a wide variety of diverse perspectives, research methodologies, and theory, and provides a foundation for this new and rapidly growing field. It should be of great value to the new generation of basic and applied researchers examining compassion, and serve as a catalyst for academic researchers and students to support and develop the modern world.

Download or read book Eating Disorders and Mindfulness written by Leah DeSole and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-07-10 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents an overview of the latest psychological knowledge about the application of mindfulness-based interventions in the field of eating disorders. Increasingly, these interventions are used in therapeutic practice. They encourage clients to process their experience fully, as it arises, without judgement. Mindfulness-based approaches, in particular, emphasize the cultivation of moment to moment awareness of thoughts and feelings as well as bodily sensations. In so doing, eating disorders present an ideal context for the development of mindfulness. Indeed, it is in the body that the emotional and relational struggles of clients reveal themselves. The authors in this diverse volume share a belief in the utility of using mindfulness-based practices to address disordered eating. It features up to date research and theory regarding mindfulness and the full spectrum of eating disorders, from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa to Binge Eating Disorder. In addition, it explores how professionals can utilize mindfulness in their own practices, in the context of both individual and group treatment. This book was originally published as a special issue of Eating Disorders: the Journal of Treatment and Prevention.

Download or read book Mindfulness Acceptance and Positive Psychology written by Todd B. Kashdan and published by New Harbinger Publications. This book was released on 2013-04-01 with total page 463 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many have wondered if there is a key ingredient to living a full and happy life. For decades now, scientists and psychologists alike have been studying the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The positive psychology movement was founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play. At the same time, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)—a mindfulness-based, values-oriented behavioral therapy that has many parallels to Buddhism, yet is not religious in any way—has been focused on helping people achieve their greatest human potential. Created only years apart, ACT and positive psychology both promote human flourishing, and they often share overlapping themes and applications, particularly when it comes to setting goals, psychological strengths, mindfulness, and the clarification of what matters most—our values and our search for meaning in life. Despite these similarities, however, the two different therapeutic models are rarely discussed in relation to one another. What if unifying these theories could lead to faster, more profound and enduring improvements to the human condition? Edited by leading researchers in the field of positive psychology, Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology is the first professional book to successfully integrate key elements of ACT and positive psychology to promote healthy functioning in clients. By gaining an understanding of "the seven foundations of well-being," professionals will walk away with concrete, modernized strategies to use when working with clients. Throughout the book, the editors focus on how ACT, mindfulness therapies, and positive psychology can best be utilized by professionals in various settings, from prisons and Fortune 500 business organizations to parents and schools. With contributions by Steven C. Hayes, the founder of ACT, as well as other well-known authorities on ACT and positive psychology such as Robyn Walser, Kristin Neff, Dennis Tirch, Ian Stewart, Louise McHugh, Lance M. McCracken, Acacia Parks, Robert Biswas-Diener, and more, this book provides state-of-the-art research, theory, and applications of relevance to mental health professionals, scientists, advanced students, and people in the general public interested in either ACT or positive psychology.

Download or read book Non Suicidal Self Injury in Eating Disorders written by Laurence Claes and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-10-10 with total page 359 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Non-suicidal self-injury and eating disorders represent significant problems among today’s youth and pose unique challenges for clinicians, particularly when they co-occur. This book is a rare resource in that it provides cutting-edge information on the interactions between self-injury and disordered eating, empirically informed treatments for the co-occurrence of these behaviors, and specific topics relevant to understanding nuances in the risk factors, treatment, and prevention of both self-injury and eating disorders. Practitioners, graduate students, and researchers working within this specialized area will find this text to be instrumental in advancing their knowledge and improving the treatment of self-injury in those with eating disorders.

Download or read book Eating and Weight Disorders written by Carlos M. Grilo and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2014-06-03 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Eating disorders refer to a range of problems characterized by abnormal eating behaviours and beliefs about eating, weight, and shape. Eating disorders, which are classified as psychiatric problems, and obesity, which is classified as a general medical condition, reflect a diverse and perplexing array of biological, social, and psychological phenomena. Beginning with a comprehensive overview of eating and weight disorders, this volume also covers: anorexia nervosa bulimia nervosa atypical eating disorders and binge eating disorders obesity. Including the most up-to-date research, Carlos Grilo provides a balanced and authoritative overview of current thinking in the fields of eating disorders and obesity with broad yet in-depth coverage of the areas. This highly readable book is an indispensable resource to students and professionals in clinical psychology, health psychology, and psychiatry.

Download or read book Examination of a Brief Self Paced Online Self Compassion Intervention Targeting Intuitive Eating and Body Image Outcomes Among Men and Women written by Reid Hlavka and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ideals for appearance and body image are pervasive in Western culture in which men and women are portrayed with unrealistic and often unattainable standards (Ferguson, 2013; Martin, 2010). Exposure and reinforcement have created a culture of social acceptance and internalization of these ideals, contributing to pervasive body image disturbance (i.e., body dissatisfaction; Fallon et al., 2014; Stice, 2001; Thompson & Stice, 2001; Thompson et al., 1999). Research has suggested that body dissatisfaction is expressed differently across sexes (Grossbard et al., 2008), with attention to thin ideals among women and muscular ideals among men. Body dissatisfaction has been linked to numerous poor outcomes, including dieting, unhealthy weight control behaviors, disordered eating, and increased psychopathology. Although dieting is one of the primary mechanisms employed to reduce body dissatisfaction (Thompson & Stice, 2001), research has shown that such efforts are contraindicated as dieting predicts weight gain over time (Pietil©Þinen et al., 2012) as well as preoccupation with food, disordered eating, eating disorders, emotional distress, and higher body dissatisfaction (Grabe et al., 2007; Johnson & Wardle, 2005; Neumark- Sztianer et al., 2006; Paxton et al., 2006; Tiggemann, 2005). Restrictive dietary behaviors suppress physiological cues to eat (e.g., hunger) that presents a vulnerability to eating in response to alternative cues, both internal (e.g., emotions) and external (e.g., availability of food). Intuitive eating is a non-restrictive approach to eating that encourages adherence to internal physiological cues to indicate when, what, and how much to eat (Tylka, 2006) and has demonstrated an inverse relationship with disordered eating, restrained eating, food preoccupation, dieting, body dissatisfaction, and negative affect (Bruce & Ricciardelli, 2016). Self-compassion, relating to oneself in a caring and supportive manner (Neff, 2003a), has been proposed as a pathway to increase intuitive eating and reduce body dissatisfaction (Neff & Knox, 2017; Schoenefeld & Webb, 2013; Webb & Hardin, 2016). Research has highlighted the efficacy of self-compassion interventions in addressing weight-related concerns (Rahimi-Ardabili et al., 2018) as well as brief experiential exercises for reducing body dissatisfaction (Moffitt et al., 2018). Additionally, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of internet-based self-compassion interventions (Mak et al., 2018; Kelman et al., 2018; Nadeau et al., 2020). The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a brief, self-paced online self-compassion intervention targeting body image and adaptive eating behaviors and potential mechanisms of change (e.g., self-compassion and psychological flexibility) among undergraduate men and women. This study also examined outcomes among men and women in the area of self-compassion, body dissatisfaction, and intuitive eating as research has highlighted the need to determine who benefits more from self-compassion interventions (Rahimi-Ardabili et al., 2018). The study compared a one-hour, self-guided online self-compassion intervention to an active control condition. The intervention was comprised of psychoeducation, experiential exercises, and mindfulness practice designed to increase self-compassion surrounding body image and eating behaviors. In contrast, the active control condition consisted of self-care recommendations and self-assessments for nutrition, exercise, and sleep. The study was administered over three parts (e.g., baseline, intervention, and follow-up) in which variables of interest were assessed at each time point. Outcome variables included self-compassion, intuitive eating, disordered eating, body appreciation, muscle dysmorphia, internalized weight bias, fear of self-compassion, and psychological inflexibility. Participants were randomized on a 2:1 intervention to control ratio at the second time point in order to make comparisons between groups while simultaneously having sufficient power for examining mediation and moderation within the treatment condition. Overall, 1023 individuals (64% women, Mage = 18.9, 67.4% white) signed informed consent and participated in at least one part of the study whereas 101 participants (71% women, Mage = 19.3, 71% white) completed all three study portions. As predicted, self-compassion was correlated with all variables of interest, and all study variables were correlated with each other (p

Download or read book Mindfulness Based Treatment Approaches written by Ruth A. Baer and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2015-07-14 with total page 452 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Eastern spiritual traditions have long maintained that mindfulness meditation can improve well-being. More recently, mindfulness-based treatment approaches have been successfully utilized to treat anxiety, depressive relapse, eating disorders, psychosis, and borderline personality disorder. This book discusses the conceptual foundation, implementation, and evidence base for the four best-researched mindfulness treatments: mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). All chapters were written by researchers with extensive clinical experience. Each chapter includes the conceptual rationale for using a mindfulness-based treatment and a review of the relevant evidence base. A detailed case study illustrates how the intervention is implemented in "real life," exploring the clinical and practical issues that may arise and how they can be managed. This book will be of use to clinicians and researchers interested in understanding and implementing mindfulness based treatments. * Comprehensive introduction to the best-researched mindfulness-based treatments * Covers wide range of problems & disorders (anxiety, depression, eating, psychosis, personality disorders, stress, pain, relationship problems, etc) * Discusses a wide range of populations (children, adolescents, older adults, couples) * Includes wide range of settings (outpatient, inpatient, medical, mental health, workplace) * Clinically rich, illustrative case study in every chapter * International perspectives represented (authors from US, Canada, Britain, Sweden)

Download or read book Fierce Self Compassion written by Dr. Kristin Neff and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2021-06-15 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author of Self-Compassion follows up her groundbreaking book with new ideas that expand our notion of self-kindness and its capacity to transform our lives, showing women how to balance tender self-acceptance with fierce action to claim their power and change the world. Kristin Neff changed how we talk about self-care with her enormously popular first book, Self-Compassion. Now, ten years and many studies later, she expands her body of work to explore a brand-new take on self-compassion. Although kindness and self-acceptance allow us to be with ourselves as we are, in all our glorious imperfection, the desire to alleviate suffering at the heart of this mindset isn't always gentle, sometimes it's fierce. We must also act courageously in order to protect ourselves from harm and injustice, say no to others so we can meet our own needs, and motivate necessary change in ourselves and society. Gender roles demand that women be soft and nurturing, not angry or powerful. But like yin and yang, the energies of fierce and tender self-compassion must be balanced for wholeness and wellbeing. Drawing on a wealth of research, her personal life story and empirically supported practices, Neff demonstrates how women can use fierce and tender self-compassion to succeed in the workplace, engage in caregiving without burning out, be authentic in relationships, and end the silence around sexual harassment and abuse. Most women intuitively recognize fierceness as part of their true nature, but have been discouraged from developing it. Women must reclaim their power in order to create a healthier society and find lasting happiness. In this wise, caring, and enlightening book, Neff shows women how to reclaim balance within themselves, so they can help restore balance in the world.