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

Background: Lack of self-acceptance is one of the most pervasive factors threatening people’s psychological well-being. Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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”). Conclusions: 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.