The family has played a crucial role in psychological development, especially for Asians. This qualitative study aims to explore the ways in which family support could assist Thai lesbians to develop self-compassion. This study employed purposive sampling to examine how 6 participants perceived what and how their family could foster their self-compassion. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The emerging themes included: 1) self-compassion and self-acceptance of being lesbian, 2) a supportive family, which consisted of 2.1) respect and freedom, 2.2) warmth, 2.3) open mind for their child being lesbian, and 3) a family model of being compassion, which consisted of 3.1) a model of forgiveness, 3.2) a model of being mindful, and 3.3) a model of a decent living and insight. Findings highlight that family supports and family members who could be models for mindfulness and compassion are helpful to participants' self-compassion development and mental health.

Authors:
Joemtawan Khemmongkhon, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Tanaphong Uthayaratana, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Teerawan Teerapong, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Joemtawan Khemmongkhon is a University Postgraduate Student at Chiang Mai University in Thailand

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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