In Episode 4 of Care For We, Sarah sits down with Dr. Holly Wilhite (formerly Dr. Hatton-Bowers) to explore the power of self-compassion for family caregivers. Drawing from the pioneering work of Dr. Kristen Neff's research (https://self-compassion.org/) and Dr. Wilhite’s research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the conversation examines why self-compassion is often missing from the caregiving experience and how it can improve well-being, resilience, and quality of life. Dr. Wilhite also shares insights into an innovative research project designed to translate self-compassion research into a practical intervention that provides meaningful, real-world support for caregivers. Join us for an inspiring discussion about caring for yourself while caring for others.

References

• Hatton-Bowers, H., Clark, C., Avari, P., Rasby, S., Starr, E., Parra, G., & Wheeler, L. (2022). Supporting Early Childhood Teachers' Emotional and Physiological Well-Being with Mindfulness, Reflection, and Self-Compassion during the COVID-19 Pandemic. National Research Conference on Early Childhood.
• Hatton-Bowers, H., et al. (2022). Promising Findings that the Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators (CHIME) Program Supports Educator Well-Being. This work examined mindfulness and self-compassion as pathways to strengthening caregiver well-being and resilience.
• Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude Toward Oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101.
• Neff, K. D. (2023). Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention. Annual Review of Psychology, 74, 193–218.
• Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A Pilot Study and Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindful Self-Compassion Program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28–44.
• Neff, K. D., Knox, M. C., Long, P., & Gregory, K. (2020). Caring for Others Without Losing Yourself: An Adaptation of the Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Healthcare Communities. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76(9), 1543–1562.

Community-Based and Co-Design Research References

• Nina Wallerstein, B., Duran, B., Oetzel, J., & Minkler, M. (2018). Community-Based Participatory Research for Health: Advancing Social and Health Equity.
• Liz Sanders & Stappers, P. J. (2008). Co-Creation and the New Landscapes of Design. CoDesign, 4(1), 5–18.
• Elizabeth B.-N. Sanders & Stappers, P. J. (2014). Probes, Toolkits and Prototypes: Three Approaches to Making in Codesigning.