A Qualitative Study of Compassion from the Perspective of Adolescents: A Foundation for Counselling Practice

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Title: A Qualitative Study of Compassion from the Perspective of Adolescents: A Foundation for Counselling Practice
Language: English
Authors: Shana Laughton (ORCID 0000-0002-5857-9057), Peyman Abkhezr (ORCID 0000-0002-6560-7167), James N. Kirby (ORCID 0000-0002-0703-1534), Nicola W. Burton (ORCID 0000-0002-3221-2265)
Source: British Journal of Guidance & Counselling. 2026 54(2):209-226.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Altruism, Adolescents, Interpersonal Relationship, Barriers, Counseling, Caring, Foreign Countries, Interaction, Friendship
Geographic Terms: Australia
DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2025.2529009
ISSN: 0306-9885
1469-3534
Abstract: Compassion is a form of sensitivity to self and others' suffering with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it, and is an important component of counselling practice. Past research has mostly focused on adults' experiences and views on compassion, which may not be applicable to young people. This study used an exploratory qualitative multiple case study design to explore how adolescents story compassion. Interviews with twelve adolescents aged 12-17 years were analysed using theory-informed deductive and inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: "The relational aspect of compassion"; "The social aspect of compassion"; "Positive outcomes for self"; "The challenges and difficulties surrounding compassion"; "Kindness is key"; and "The universality of compassion". Findings from this study can inform the practice of counsellors to explore and promote compassion-focused conversations with adolescents. Further research is recommended to understand the implementation and outcomes of integrating compassion in counselling practice with adolescents.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1508346
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Shana+Laughton%22">Shana Laughton</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5857-9057">0000-0002-5857-9057</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Peyman+Abkhezr%22">Peyman Abkhezr</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6560-7167">0000-0002-6560-7167</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22James+N%2E+Kirby%22">James N. Kirby</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0703-1534">0000-0002-0703-1534</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Nicola+W%2E+Burton%22">Nicola W. Burton</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3221-2265">0000-0002-3221-2265</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22British+Journal+of+Guidance+%26+Counselling%22"><i>British Journal of Guidance & Counselling</i></searchLink>. 2026 54(2):209-226.
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  Data: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Altruism%22">Altruism</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Adolescents%22">Adolescents</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interpersonal+Relationship%22">Interpersonal Relationship</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Barriers%22">Barriers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Counseling%22">Counseling</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Caring%22">Caring</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interaction%22">Interaction</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Friendship%22">Friendship</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1080/03069885.2025.2529009
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  Data: Compassion is a form of sensitivity to self and others' suffering with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it, and is an important component of counselling practice. Past research has mostly focused on adults' experiences and views on compassion, which may not be applicable to young people. This study used an exploratory qualitative multiple case study design to explore how adolescents story compassion. Interviews with twelve adolescents aged 12-17 years were analysed using theory-informed deductive and inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: "The relational aspect of compassion"; "The social aspect of compassion"; "Positive outcomes for self"; "The challenges and difficulties surrounding compassion"; "Kindness is key"; and "The universality of compassion". Findings from this study can inform the practice of counsellors to explore and promote compassion-focused conversations with adolescents. Further research is recommended to understand the implementation and outcomes of integrating compassion in counselling practice with adolescents.
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      – SubjectFull: Altruism
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