A new study highlights the importance of self-compassion in promoting overall well-being, suggesting that caring for others without also caring for oneself may lead to lower well-being and is potentially unsustainable. The research, led by Bassam Khoury, an associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University, found that individuals who showed compassion for others, animals, and themselves experienced the best psychological functioning and highest levels of well-being. Khoury noted that many people in caring professions—such as educators, health professionals, parents, and activists—often prioritize others’ needs over their own, which can lead to self-neglect and poorer mental health. The study emphasizes that self-compassion is not selfish or self-indulgent but rather a necessary foundation for sustaining care for others. It can help individuals manage difficult emotions, reduce self-criticism, and foster a sense of inner safety. This approach allows people to extend compassion more effectively to others and to all living beings, including animals and the environment. The research, conducted in collaboration with Professor Rodrigo Vergara from the Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación and the Centro Nacional De Inteligencia Artificial (CENIA) in Santiago, Chile, surveyed over 1,200 Canadians about their levels of compassion, mental health, and well-being. The researchers explored how participants showed compassion toward others, animals, and themselves, looking at both thoughts and actions. Based on this data, they identified six distinct "compassion profiles," which were linked to various psychological traits such as stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. To further understand the stability of these profiles, the researchers followed up with around 200 participants three months after the initial survey. They found that the profiles remained largely consistent over time, though there were small fluctuations in how often people acted compassionately. Khoury explained that compassionate actions may be more variable than thoughts or feelings because they require time, energy, and opportunities to express care. Looking ahead, Khoury and his team plan to study these profiles over longer periods and with more diverse populations, as the current study primarily included women and English-speaking participants. They are also developing an intervention program called the Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness and Compassion (EEMC) program, which aims to reduce suffering and improve well-being through mindfulness practices and a broader understanding of compassion—covering not only oneself but also nature and the wider living world. The study’s findings have been published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, adding to the growing body of research on the psychological benefits of self-compassion and the importance of balancing care for others with care for oneself.