Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Self-Compassionate Behaviors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Self-compassion is regarded as a mediating or moderating variable in mindfulness-based interventions (MBI). However, few studies have investigated the role of self-compassion on MBI. Therefore, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine whether (1) MBI decreases depression and trait anxiety, while increasing trait mindfulness, trait self-compassion, self-compassionate behaviors (SC behaviors), and behaviors, along with improving mood; and (2) SC behaviors moderate the effect of mindful behaviors on mood in daily life. Participants were patients with depression and/or anxiety ( N=19) in Japan. Of the 27 participants recruited, 19 participated in the study. Using stratified randomization, we allocated 10 participants to the intervention group, with an 8-week standard MBI, and nine to the waitlist control group. Depression, trait anxiety, trait mindfulness, and trait self-compassion were assessed using questionnaires, while SC behaviors, mindful behaviors, and mood were measured using an ecological momentary assessment—a method used to repeatedly record events and behaviors in daily life. The results revealed that depression, trait anxiety, trait mindfulness, and trait self-compassion did not significantly change. However, SC behaviors, mindful behaviors, and mood significantly improved with MBI. Moreover, the interaction between SC behaviors and mindful behaviors was significantly shown in the pre-intervention, suggesting that SC behaviors moderate the effect of mindful behaviors on mood in daily life.

Addressing psychosomatic symptom distress with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in somatic symptom disorder: mediating effects of self-compassion and alexithymia

“…Multiple studies have demonstrated an association between improved self-compassion and reduced negative emotion ( 16 , 17 , 22 – 26 ). Self-compassion is regarded as a mediating or moderating variable in MBIs ( 19 , 27 ). Nonetheless, a systematic review failed to identify this relationship ( 28 ).…”

Examining How Headspace Impacts Mindfulness Mechanisms Over an 8-Week App-Based Mindfulness Intervention

“…Chin et al (2021) found that both the standard 8-week MBSR training program, and a modified 8-week MBSR-adapted training program that focused on monitoring skills, improved momentary (and trait measures) of attention control. In another study, Uchida et al (2022) tested the effects of an 8-week standard mindfulness intervention in a sample of 19 patients with depression and/or anxiety. Although no significant changes in mental health were observed, results revealed significant improvements in self-compassionate and mindful behaviors.…”