The MAC-P program: A pilot study of a mindfulness and compassion program for youth with psychotic experiences.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical utility of a mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) for youth with psychotic experiences.
Results Summary
The MAC-P showed feasibility and acceptability, with significant improvements in self-compassion, mindfulness, distress reduction (psychosis, anxiety, depression, stress), functioning, and insecure attachment styles. Self-compassion was linked to many positive outcomes.
Population
Youth meeting criteria for 'at risk mental state,' experiencing a psychotic episode, or with a recent schizophrenia diagnosis.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
8 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | increase | self-compassion | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | large | large significant increase | #1 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | increase | mindfulness | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | positive change over time | #2 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | increase | acting with awareness | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | large | large significant effect | #3 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | decrease | distress associated with psychotic experiences | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | significant reductions | #4 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | decrease | anxiety | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | significant reductions | #5 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | decrease | depression | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | significant reductions | #6 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | decrease | stress | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | significant reductions | #7 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | decrease | self-criticism | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | significant reductions | #8 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | increase | functioning | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | significant improvements | #9 |
mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) | decrease | insecure attachment styles | youth with a range of psychotic experiences | - | significant improvements | #10 |
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility, acceptability and the potential clinical utility of a novel mindfulness and compassion program (MAC-P) designed for youth with a range of psychotic experiences. METHOD: A non-randomised, non-controlled prospective follow-up study was conducted. Eighteen participants who either met criteria for the 'at risk mental state' or were experiencing a psychotic episode or had a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia attended the 8-week program. Participants completed clinical assessments pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 6-week follow-up which measured a range of symptoms (psychosis, anxiety, depression and stress) and psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS: Attendance and retention data indicated that MAC-P is a feasible and acceptable program. There was a large significant increase in self-compassion. Mindfulness demonstrated a positive change over time. There was a large significant effect on one subscale-acting with awareness. There were significant reductions in distress associated with psychotic experiences as well as anxiety, depression, stress and self-criticism. Significant improvements in functioning and insecure attachment styles were also found. Regression results demonstrated that self-compassion was associated with a number of these findings. CONCLUSION: The MAC-P for youth shows potential as a clinically effective intervention provided as an addition to treatment as usual for youth with psychotic experiences. A larger controlled study is needed to validate the effectiveness of this intervention.