Autocriticismo e medo da autocompaixão no trabalho

Abstract

This Master’s Thesis includes two studies regarding the factors self-criticism and fear of self-compassion at work. The first study has a theoretical nature and consists of a narrative review of empirical studies that include measures of self-criticism and fear of self-compassion in relation to relevant variables for work and in samples of workers. The goal of that research was to investigate the possible role of both factors in the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. A hypothesis emerged from results, in which both factors would operate as personal demands at work. The study also detected important research gaps in the area, predominantly with regard to the fear of self-compassion. The second study is empirical and quantitative and aims to assess the associations between self-criticism and fear of self-compassion with work engagement and burnout, besides investigating the role of perceiving self-criticism as functional. Results showed that self-criticism and fear of self-compassion are negatively associated to the vigor and absorption dimensions of work engagement and to the efficacy facet, which characterizes low burnout, and positively associated with the exhaustion factor of burnout. Perceiving self-criticism to be functional has also been associated with worse work outcomes of burnout and engagement, except for the absorption factor. A model was found, in which self-criticism is explained by the fear of self-compassion. The second study’s conclusion reinforces the personal demands character of self-criticism and fear of self-compassion and points to the need for longitudinal studies.