An exploration of the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and self-compassion and cognitive emotion regulation in adults

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and levels of self-compassion and cognitive emotional regulation strategies utilised in adulthood, in a largely South African sample. Neglect is one of the most common forms of childhood maltreatment, however it is often underreported and overlooked in psychological research. Both self-compassionate practices and the utilisation of adaptive cognitive emotional regulation strategies have been shown to be effective in minimising suffering and maximising wellbeing. Therefore, understanding the links between childhood emotional neglect and positive psychological traits in adults is vital in informing parenting practices, clinical interventions and further academic exploration. This study used a sample of 101 participants in a cross-sectional, quantitative design. The findings indicated that childhood emotional neglect was positively correlated with isolation, one of the key components of low self-compassion. Childhood emotional neglect was also found to be inversely correlated with the adaptive cognitive emotional regulation strategies of refocus on planning, positive appraisal and positively associated with the maladaptive strategy of other blame. This indicated that higher levels of emotional neglect are related to less self-compassionate practices and increased emotional dysregulation. High self-compassion and adaptive cognitive emotional regulation strategies were strongly related. Further significant relationships were found between other forms of childhood neglect and both self-compassion and emotional regulation, that point to gaps in the literature. This is specifically the case with cognitive and supervisory neglect, the specific consequences of which are largely unexamined academically. This research has important academic and clinical consequences for the understanding of childhood emotional neglect and the promotion of wellbeing in adults. This suggests that survivors of childhood neglect might employ strategies for navigating adversity that can amplify their suffering, indicating therapeutic intervention. It also highlights the need for further exploration of the different domains of childhood neglect and the implications for the development of healthy psychological adjustment.