Module Six: Compassionate Self-Support

Abstract

Stress responses and negative emotions last longer when different areas of the brain and body mutually activate each other. If this happens, these vicious cycles can override the natural regulation mechanisms in the brain and in the body. A vicious cycle that often contributes to the maintenance of negative emotions involves blaming or criticizing oneself for having these emotions or for the inability to modify them. Such self-criticism will likely threaten one’s sense of worth and may thus lead to an increase of amygdala activation and the elicitation of negative emotions such as shame or guilt, which may contribute to further amygdala activation. This vicious cycle can be prevented or interrupted with ART Skill #5—Compassionate Self-Support.