Self-Compassion and Ikigai

Similarities, Differences, and Implications

Datos Bibliográficos

ID23600203
AutoresYasuhiro Kotera (0000-0002-0251-0085), Juliet Wilkes (0000-0002-1618-8269), Rory Colman (0000-0003-4438-9081)
Año2025
Páginas268-289
Fecha de publicación2025-12-31
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoCHAPTER
RevistaPurpose in Life As Ancient but Nascent (SOURCE_BOOK)
EditorialCambridge University Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1017/9781009407427.013
OpenAlexW4415717407
ISBN9781009407427
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas73

Ikigai is a Japanese word coined by the multilingual psychiatrist Dr. Kamiya, which roughly translates as “purpose in life.” Ikigai has attracted attention in health research and practice due to its association with positive health outcomes. Another Eastern-influenced construct that has gained increasing focus in health research and practice is self-compassion. Self-compassion involves being kind toward oneself during difficult times, mindfully balancing negative emotions, and recognizing that suffering is part of the shared human experience. Empirical studies report that self-compassion is strongly associated with mental well-being and purpose in life. This chapter examines ikigai and self-compassion and discusses key similarities and differences that exist between the two constructs. Similarities include their foundations in Eastern philosophy, their contribution to eudaimonia -type happiness, and their role in alleviating suffering. Differences between them highlight a lack of scientific evaluation of ikigai, including no standardized definition or measurement, and limited research on mental health outcomes. Self-compassion research can be advanced by identifying components of the standard self-compassion program.

Association (psychology) · Construct (python library) · Empirical research · Focus (optics) · Key (lock) · Mental health · Japanese History and Culture · Jungian Analytical Psychology · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions