Self‐compassion in mindfulness‐based stress reduction: An examination of prediction and mediation of intervention effects

This study aims to develop a clinical trial to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) program on self-reported values of anxiety, depression, and stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary school, in order to assess their integration into the framework of community intervention programs in Spain. Methods: A brief 8-week training program using mindfulness-based intervention (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) has been applied to twelve Valencian ASD parents, ten of whom completed the program. Participants were assigned to two groups; both groups received the same treatment but at two different measurement moments. Depression, anxiety, stress, satisfaction with life and mindful attention awareness measurements were performed, in all participants, in three testing stages. Results: Analysis of variance results suggested that MBSR and SC training reduces stress and anxiety and increases mindful attention awareness. No significant changes were found in life satisfaction measurements. Conclusions: The small number of participants prevents us from generalizing the results found. More MBSR and SC clinical trials are needed in parents of ASD with results on anxiety, depression and stress in order to demonstrate the relevance of the inclusion of these programs in community-based early intervention services.

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Self-Compassion Mediates Improvement in Well-being in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program in a Community-Based Sample

Mindfulness ◽

10.1007/s12671-017-0872-1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 1280-1287 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Susan Evans ◽

Katarzyna Wyka ◽

Katherine Thorpe Blaha ◽

Elizabeth S. Allen

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Based ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Reduction Program ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

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A Telephone-Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: Preliminary Effects among Healthcare Employees

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11100139 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 139

Author(s):

Lauren A. Zimmaro ◽

Aleeze Moss ◽

Diane K. Reibel ◽

Elizabeth A. Handorf ◽

Jennifer B. Reese ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

High Stress ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Common Humanity ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Program Effects ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

Healthcare Employees

Healthcare employees often experience high stress and may benefit from accessible psychosocial interventions. In this pilot study, we explored preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and psychological effects of a telephone-based adaption of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for healthcare employees. Eleven participants (M age = 49.9; 27.3% ethnic/racial minority) were enrolled in an eight-session group-based MBSR program adapted for telephone delivery. Feasibility was assessed using rates of program attrition and session completion; acceptability was explored qualitatively via participants’ responses to an open-ended item about their program experience. Participants also completed pre-and post-program assessments on psychosocial outcomes (distress (overall distress, depression, anxiety, somatization), mindfulness, and self-compassion). We characterized mean change scores, 95% confidence intervals, and effect sizes to explore preliminary program effects. With regard to preliminary feasibility, one participant dropped out prior to the intervention; of the remaining 10 participants, 90% completed at least half (≥4) of the sessions; 70% completed at least three-quarters (≥6 sessions). Feedback reflected positive experiences and included suggestions for program delivery. Participants reported reductions in distress post-program (M difference range = −5.0 to −9.4), showing medium to large effect sizes (d range = 0.68 to 1.11). Mindfulness scores increased from pre- to post-intervention (M difference range = 1.0 to 10.4), with small-to-medium effects (d range = 0.18 to 0.55). Almost all aspects of self-compassion remained stable over time, with the exception of common humanity, which increased post-program (M difference = 2.9, CI 95% 0.5 to 5.4, d = 0.91). Preliminary findings from our small pilot trial suggest that telephone-based adaptations of MBSR may be a useful mode of delivery for healthcare employees; however, larger studies are needed to provide further evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and program effects.

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Exploring self-compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

Stress and Health ◽

10.1002/smi.1305 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 26 (5) ◽

pp. 359-371 ◽

Cited By ~ 286

Author(s):

Kathryn Birnie ◽

Michael Speca ◽

Linda E. Carlson

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction for medical students: a narrative review

Canadian Medical Education Journal ◽

10.36834/cmej.68406 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emma Polle ◽

Jane Gair

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Student ◽

Medical Students ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Well Being ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Mindfulness Skills ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Background: Medical students are at high risk of depression, distress and burnout, which may adversely affect patient safety. There has been growing interest in mindfulness in medical education to improve medical student well-being. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a commonly used, standardized format for teaching mindfulness skills. Previous research has suggested that MBSR may be of particular benefit for medical students. This narrative review aims to further investigate the benefits of MBSR for undergraduate medical students. Methods: A search of the literature was performed using MedLine, Embase, ERIC, PSYCInfo, and CINAHL to identify relevant studies. A total of 102 papers were identified with this search. After review and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 papers were included in the study. Results: MBSR training for medical students was associated with increased measures of psychological well-being and self-compassion, as well as improvements in stress, psychological distress and mood. Evidence for effect on empathy was mixed, and the single paper measuring burnout showed no effect. Two studies identified qualitative themes which provided context for the quantitative results. Conclusions: MBSR benefits medical student well-being and decreases medical student psychological distress and depression.

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Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and attachment-based compassion therapy for the treatment of depressive, anxious and adjustment disorders in mental health settings: A randomized controlled trial

10.31234/osf.io/m3pg9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carlos Collado-Navarro ◽

Adrian Perez-Aranda ◽

Mayte Navarro-Gil ◽

Yolanda López del Hoyo ◽

Javier Garcia-Campayo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Adjustment Disorders ◽

Affective Distress ◽

Treatment As Usual ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) for reducing affective distress in a sample of outpatients with depressive, anxiety or adjustment disorders, and to explore its action mechanisms.Methods: This randomised controlled trial involved assessment time points of pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-months follow-up. A total of 90 patients from three mental health units in Castellón (Spain) were recruited and randomly assigned to ‘ABCT + treatment as usual (TAU)’, ‘Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) + TAU’, or ‘TAU’ alone. Affective distress, as measured by the ‘Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales’ (DASS-21) was the main outcome; self-compassion and mindfulness were also assessed. Multilevel mixed-effects models were performed to estimate the efficacy of the programme, and path analysis were conducted to study the potential mechanistic role of mindfulness and self-compassion.Results: ABCT was not superior to MBSR in any outcome or assessment point. ABCT was superior to TAU both post-treatment (B=-13.20; 95% CI: -19.57, -6.84) and at 12-month follow-up (B=-7.20; 95% CI: -13.63, -0.76) for reducing DASS-21, and MBSR was superior to TAU both post-treatment (B=-11.51; 95% CI: -17.97, -5.05) and at 12-month follow-up (B=-8.59; 95% CI -15.09, -2.10), with large effects (d≥0.90). Changes produced in DASS-21 by ABCT were mediated by self-compassion, while changes produced by MBSR were mediated by both mindfulness and self-compassion.Conclusion: ABCT is efficacious for reducing affective distress in patients with anxiety, depressive or adjustment disorders, although its effect is not superior to MBSR’s. Self-compassion seems to be a significant mediator of the effects of ABCT.

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Optimising mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis

Chronic Illness ◽

10.1177/1742395317715504 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 154-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Robert Simpson ◽

Sharon Byrne ◽

Karen Wood ◽

Frances S Mair ◽

Stewart W Mercer

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Orientation Session ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

Group 2 ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

Group 1

Objectives To gather views from patients with multiple sclerosis after completing a standard eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course and optimise and test a modified version as required. Methods Two successive groups of 25 multiple sclerosis patients received mindfulness-based stress reduction in a wait-list randomised controlled trial. Seventeen participants and two mindfulness-based stress reduction instructors were individually interviewed after the first (standard) course and 16 participants and the same two instructors were interviewed following the second (optimised) course. Interviews were analysed using a thematic approach. Results Mindfulness-based stress reduction was well received in both groups, with participants describing a beneficial shift in awareness. An initial (at times unpleasant) increase in awareness of disability was generally followed by greater acceptance and self-compassion. Other benefits reported included improved relationships, walking and sleep, with less stress and pain. Mindful-movement and mindful walking were problematic in group 1. This component of mindfulness-based stress reduction was simplified in group 2. A pre-course orientation session was introduced, and some organisational changes made based on feedback from group 1. Feedback from group 2 was positive in all these areas. Discussion Mindfulness-based stress reduction appears beneficial to people with multiple sclerosis, albeit mindful-movement required some modification. Contextual and organisational issues also appear important in this population.

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Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Executives: Results from a Field Experiment

Business Perspectives and Research ◽

10.1177/2278533717692906 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 113-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Zubin R. Mulla ◽

Kalaiselvan Govindaraj ◽

Srinivasa Rao Polisetti ◽

Elis George ◽

Nagraj Rao S. More

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

High Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Stress Indicators ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-based meditation has been reported to produce positive effects on psychological and physiological well-being, and to reduce stress levels. The present study examined the effects of a 16-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on stress levels and self-compassion of 22 executives of a large public sector oil company located in the south of India. The study was a pre- and post-test experimental design in which participants were tested for physiological and psychological parameters, both before and after the intervention. Physiological assessment was carried out through the testing of blood cortisol and measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Participants also reported on variables such as self-compassion, and various stress indicators such as physical indicators, sleep indicators, behavioral indicators, emotional indicators, and personal habits. Results from the present study suggest that a 16-week MBSR intervention not only had a positive impact on various stress indicators (physical, sleep, behavioral, emotional, and personal habits) and self-compassion but also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and blood cortisol levels. The findings suggest that MBSR can be a useful stress management intervention for addressing the issues of high stress for senior executives in Indian organizations.

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Mechanisms of Change in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Self-Compassion and Mindfulness as Mediators of Intervention Outcomes

Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1891/0889-8391.26.3.270 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 270-280 ◽

Cited By ~ 81

Author(s):

Shian-Ling Keng ◽

Moria J. Smoski ◽

Clive J. Robins ◽

Andrew G. Ekblad ◽

Jeffrey G. Brantley

Keyword(s):

Emotion Regulation ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Anger Expression ◽

Mechanisms Of Change ◽

Processes Of Change ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Fear Of Emotion ◽

Difficulties In Emotion Regulation ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

Using Data

Research has demonstrated support for the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in alleviating psychological distress and symptoms. Less is known, however, about the mechanisms through which MBSR achieves its outcomes. This study examined mindfulness and self-compassion as potential mediators of MBSR’s effects on several processes and behaviors related to emotion regulation, using data from a randomized trial of MBSR versus waitlist (WL), in which MBSR participants demonstrated significantly greater improvements in worry, fear of emotion, difficulties in emotion regulation, suppression of anger, and aggressive anger expression. Mediation analysis using bootstrap resampling indicated that increases in self-compassion mediated MBSR’s effects on worry, controlling for change in mindfulness. Increases in mindfulness mediated the intervention’s effects on difficulties in emotion regulation, controlling for change in self-compassion. Both variables mediated MBSR’s effects on fear of emotion. These findings highlight the importance of mindfulness and self-compassion as key processes of change that underlie MBSR’s outcomes.

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