Lack of Self-acceptance According to Psychotherapists' Lived Experiences: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Lack of self-acceptance is one of the most pervasive factors threatening people’s psychological well-being.

This study aims to explore the roots and underlying causes of a lack of self-acceptance through the lived experiences of psychologists specializing in the field of self-acceptance.

A reflexive thematic analysis, based on the approach by Braun and Clarke, was conducted using 30 in-depth interviews. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods. To enhance the trustworthiness of the research, Lincoln and Guba's criteria were applied.

The overarching theme identified was “Tripartite adversities involved in the formation of a lack of self-acceptance.” This theme comprised intrapersonal factors (“Existential Insecurity”), interpersonal factors (“Deficits in Nurturance,” “Restricted Autonomy,” “Disrupted Trust,” and “Exposure to Strict Standards”), and socio-cultural factors (“Minority Group Status”).

The findings demonstrate that the roots of a lack of self-acceptance are complex and multifaceted. Addressing this issue has significant implications for improving self-acceptance, which is an integral component of many contemporary therapeutic modalities targeting trans-diagnostic factors such as perfectionism, self-criticism, and shame.