Self-compassion, appraisal, stress, and coping in trainee clinical psychologists

Evidence indicates that a sub-group of trainees experience high levels of stress and anxiety during training. These difficulties are influenced by factors such as cognitive appraisal, coping strategy, and course structure. However, to date there does not appear to be any study investigating the role of self-compassion in trainee stress and anxiety.

Based on the literature it was hypothesised that self-compassion would be related to stress, anxiety, and coping strategy but also it would mediate the relationship between appraisal, stress, and anxiety. Using a qualitative cross-sectional study a sample of 188 trainees recruited from 29 Universities completed an online survey measuring stress, anxiety, appraisal, coping, and self-compassion.

The results were consistent with previous findings, indicating a sub-group of trainees with high levels of stress and anxiety. Self-compassion was found to be correlated with all measures and partially mediated the relationship with appraisal, stress, and anxiety.