An Internet-Based Compassion-Focused Intervention for Increased Self-Criticism: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to test the efficacy of an online mindfulness-based compassionate living (MBCL) intervention for reducing self-criticism and improving self-compassion and psychological symptoms.
Results Summary
The intervention group showed significant improvements with medium to large effect sizes in depressive, anxiety, and distress symptoms, as well as self-compassion, compared to the control group. These effects were maintained at 6 months post-randomization.
Population
122 self-referred participants with increased levels of self-criticism.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
8 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
online version of a compassion-focused intervention, mindfulness-based compassionate living (MBCL), with guidance on request | decrease | self-reported depressive, anxiety and distress symptoms (DASS-21) | self-referred participants with increased levels of self-criticism | Cohen's d: 0.79 | showed significant changes with medium to large effect sizes compared to the control group | #1 |
online version of a compassion-focused intervention, mindfulness-based compassionate living (MBCL), with guidance on request | increase | self-compassion (SCS) | self-referred participants with increased levels of self-criticism | Cohen's d: -1.21 | showed significant changes with medium to large effect sizes compared to the control group | #2 |
online version of a compassion-focused intervention, mindfulness-based compassionate living (MBCL), with guidance on request | increase | secondary outcomes (self-criticism, mindfulness, satisfaction with life, fear of self-compassion, self-esteem, and existential shame) | self-referred participants with increased levels of self-criticism | Cohen's ds: between 0.40 and 0.94 in favor of the intervention group | showed significant changes with medium to large effect sizes compared to the control group | #3 |
online version of a compassion-focused intervention, mindfulness-based compassionate living (MBCL), with guidance on request | no change | effects | self-referred participants with increased levels of self-criticism | at 6-months postrandomization | were maintained | #4 |
Adherence measures (number of completed modules, self-reported number of completed exercises per week) | increase | self-compassion | intervention group | - | predicted postintervention scores | #5 |
Adherence measures (number of completed modules, self-reported number of completed exercises per week) | no change | depressive, anxiety, and distress symptoms | intervention group | - | did not predict postintervention scores | #6 |
Increased levels of self-criticism and a lack of self-compassion have been associated with the development and maintenance of a range of psychological disorders. In the current study, we tested the efficacy of an online version of a compassion-focused intervention, mindfulness-based compassionate living (MBCL), with guidance on request. A total of 122 self-referred participants with increased levels of self-criticism were randomly assigned to care as usual (CAU) or the intervention group (CAU + online intervention). Primary endpoints were self-reported depressive, anxiety and distress symptoms (DASS-21) and self-compassion (SCS) at 8 weeks. Secondary endpoints were self-criticism, mindfulness, satisfaction with life, fear of self-compassion, self-esteem, and existential shame. At posttreatment, the intervention group showed significant changes with medium to large effect sizes compared to the control group regarding primary outcomes (Cohen's d: 0.79 [DASS] and -1.21 [SCS]) and secondary outcomes (Cohen's ds: between 0.40 and 0.94 in favor of the intervention group). The effects in the intervention group were maintained at 6-months postrandomization. Adherence measures (number of completed modules, self-reported number of completed exercises per week) predicted postintervention scores for self-compassion but not for depressive, anxiety, and distress symptoms in the intervention group. The current study shows the efficacy of an online intervention with a transdiagnostic intervention target on a broad range of measures, including depressive and anxiety symptoms and self-compassion.