Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind compassion focused therapy and self-compassion research
UBCompassionate2 is built on decades of rigorous research in compassion science, clinical psychology, and contemplative practice. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 10 compassion themes and 20 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links. The field of compassion science has emerged from the convergence of evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative traditions—offering evidence-based pathways to cultivating kindness toward ourselves and others.
The foundational research upon which UBCompassionate2's 10 themes are built:
2011 • William Morrow
The groundbreaking book that brought self-compassion research to the mainstream. Dr. Neff, a pioneering researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, presents the three core components of self-compassion—self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness—along with practical exercises for developing a healthier relationship with yourself. Based on over a decade of empirical research showing that self-compassion is strongly associated with wellbeing, emotional resilience, and life satisfaction.
2009 • New Harbinger Publications
The definitive introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for general readers. Professor Gilbert, founder of CFT and one of the world's leading compassion researchers, explains the evolutionary basis of compassion—how our brains developed three emotional regulation systems (threat, drive, and soothing). He shows how modern life overactivates threat and drive while underutilizing our compassionate mind, and provides practical exercises for rebalancing these systems.
Essential texts from the founders and leaders of compassion-based interventions:
2018 • Guilford Press
The practical companion to Neff's research, co-authored with clinical psychologist Christopher Germer. Contains step-by-step exercises, guided meditations, and practices from the empirically-validated Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program that has helped thousands of people develop greater self-kindness.
2010 • Routledge
The clinical manual for Compassion Focused Therapy—detailed theory and practical applications for mental health professionals. Explains the 30 distinctive features of CFT and how to implement compassion-based interventions for shame, self-criticism, anxiety, and depression.
1995 • Shambhala
A classic guide to the practice of metta (loving-kindness) meditation from one of the foremost meditation teachers in America. Salzberg, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, presents the ancient Buddhist practice in accessible, contemporary terms, showing how it transforms our relationship with ourselves and others.
1998 • Riverhead Books
The Dalai Lama's wisdom on compassion as the path to happiness, presented in dialogue with psychiatrist Howard Cutler. Combines Buddhist insights with Western psychology to show how compassion toward self and others is essential for genuine wellbeing. A foundational text bridging Eastern contemplative wisdom and Western clinical perspectives.
Research-based books that translate compassion science into daily practice:
2019 • Viking
Clinical psychologist and meditation teacher Tara Brach presents RAIN—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture—a four-step practice for developing compassion toward difficult emotions and experiences. Integrates mindfulness, self-compassion, and practical psychology for healing and transformation.
2009 • Guilford Press
Clinical psychologist Christopher Germer provides a step-by-step guide to developing self-compassion through mindfulness. Especially valuable for those struggling with self-criticism, shame, and difficult emotions. Combines clinical insight with practical meditation guidance.
2013 • New Harbinger Publications
A unique collaboration between CFT founder Paul Gilbert and Buddhist monk Choden, bridging Western psychology and Tibetan Buddhist practice. Shows how mindfulness and compassion work together to create lasting emotional transformation.
2007 • Broadway Books
Bioethicist Stephen Post presents extensive research showing that compassionate action—giving to others—significantly improves the giver's health, happiness, and longevity. Relevant to Theme 7 (Service & Altruism) and Theme 9 (Compassionate Action).
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBCompassionate2's evidence-based approach:
Neff, K. D. (2003). Self and Identity, 2(2), 85-101.
The foundational paper defining the three components of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) and introducing the Self-Compassion Scale. This seminal work established self-compassion as a distinct psychological construct.
Gilbert, P. (2014). British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53(1), 6-41.
Comprehensive theoretical overview of CFT's evolutionary model, explaining how the three emotional regulation systems (threat, drive, soothing) interact and how compassion training can rebalance them for mental health.
Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28-44.
The validation study for the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, demonstrating significant increases in self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing, with decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress.
Zessin, U., Dickhäuser, O., & Garbade, S. (2015). Clinical Psychology Review, 40, 1-12.
Meta-analysis of 79 studies finding a medium-to-large effect size (r = .47) for the relationship between self-compassion and wellbeing—a remarkably strong finding demonstrating self-compassion's robust impact on mental health.
MacBeth, A., & Gumley, A. (2012). Clinical Psychology Review, 32(6), 545-552.
Meta-analysis finding large negative correlations between self-compassion and depression (r = -.52), anxiety (r = -.51), and stress (r = -.54)—establishing self-compassion as a transdiagnostic protective factor.
Weng, H. Y., Fox, A. S., Shackman, A. J., et al. (2013). Psychological Science, 24(7), 1171-1180.
Neuroimaging study showing that just two weeks of compassion training increases altruistic behavior and changes brain activity in regions associated with empathy and positive affect—evidence that compassion can be trained.
Fredrickson, B. L., Cohn, M. A., Coffey, K. A., et al. (2008). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(5), 1045-1062.
Landmark study demonstrating that loving-kindness meditation increases positive emotions, which in turn build resources including mindfulness, purpose, social support, and physical health.
Klimecki, O. M., Leiberg, S., Lamm, C., & Singer, T. (2013). Cerebral Cortex, 23(7), 1552-1561.
Neuroimaging research showing that compassion training increases positive affect and changes brain activity in regions associated with love and affiliation—demonstrating neural plasticity for compassion.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Transform evidence-based compassion research into daily inspiration with UBCompassionate2's 20 modules and 2,000+ curated quotes.