A reflection on self-talk

Your inner critic vs. your inner ally

When something goes wrong, two voices tend to show up: the critic who piles on, and the ally who steadies you. This short reflection looks at which one you reach for in your hard moments. Research links a kinder inner voice to steadier recovery after rejection.

It is not a diagnosis. Everything iscomputed in your browser as you answer, andnothing is saved or sent anywhere. The questions are original, plain-language items inspired by the research on self-compassion, not the published scale itself.

Neff 2003Research behind this

StudySelf-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself

Neff (2003). Self and Identity.

Self-compassion, treating yourself with the kindness you would offer a friend, is a measurable trait linked to greater emotional resilience.

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Leary, Tate, Adams, Allen & Hancock 2007Research behind this

StudySelf-compassion and reactions to unpleasant self-relevant events

Leary, Tate, Adams, Allen & Hancock (2007). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

People higher in self-compassion react to rejection and other unpleasant self-relevant events with less defensiveness and less emotional reactivity.

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Question 1 of 12

When I am going through a hard time, I try to be gentle with myself.