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Self-pity is an emotion in which one feels self-centered sorrow and pity toward the self regarding one's own internal and external experiences of suffering.^[1] Self-pity has also been defined as an emotion "directed towards others with the goal of attracting attention, empathy, or help" ^[1]^[2]

Description

The feeling of self-pity typically arises when an individual attributes failures to external factors perceived as uncontrollable.^[3] Although the primary focus of self-pity is on the self and one's own emotions, it has a strong interpersonal component as well. In addition to loneliness, subjects may also feel "envy, blame, anger, and hostility directed towards others".^[1]

However, it is also very common for people suffering from self-pity to deflect criticism of themselves; they are usually incapable of self-reflection and blame their bad situation only on external factors, such as bad luck or other people's supposed resentment.^{[citation needed]}

Self-pity is different from self-compassion, which consists of extending compassion to oneself in cases of failure or general suffering.

Effects

The research based on observation on self-pity is very slim, but the research that is available shows that self-pity can be an effect from a stressor of a dramatic event. It can also be shown that aspects of one's personality can affect one's self-pity. Although others initially respond to self-pity with empathic concern, the interpersonal effects of frequent expression of self-pity can be detrimental. Individuals who engage in pervasive self-pity may be more likely to be rejected by their peers and may commonly be perceived as querulous.^[1]

Treatment

As self-pity is observed to be associated with rumination and avoidance coping strategies, it is an important emotional experience to acknowledge in therapeutic settings.^[1]