How One Experiences and Embodies Compassionate Mind Training Influences Its Effectiveness

Marcela Matos,José Pinto-Gouveia,Paul Gilbert,Joana Duarte,Cristiana Duarte

doi:10.1007/s12671-017-0864-1

Marcela Matos, José Pinto-Gouveia + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0864-1

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Journal: Mindfulness	Publication Date: Dec 2, 2017
Citations: 27	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: University of Coimbra, University of Derby

Abstract

This paper explores indicators of practice quality of a brief compassion mind training (CMT) intervention and their impact on the development of an inner sense of one’s compassionate self (CS) and a range of self-report measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: compassionate mind training (CMT; n = 77) and wait-list control. Participants in the CMT condition practiced a range of CMT practices during 2 weeks. Each week, participants completed a feedback questionnaire, measuring practice frequency, helpfulness and embodiment of the practices in everyday life. Self-report measures of compassion, positive affect, shame, self-criticism, fears of compassion and psychopathological symptoms were also completed at pre and post. Practice frequency was associated with the frequency and easiness of embodiment of the CS. Perceived helpfulness of the practices was related to greater embodiment of the CS and to increases in compassion, reassured self, relaxed and safe affect and decreases in self-criticism. The embodiment variables of the CS were associated with higher compassion for the self, for others and from others and with improvements in reassured self, safe affect and compassionate goals. Embodiment of the CS and perceived helpfulness of the practices predicted compassion for the self and experience of compassion from others at post-intervention. Perceiving compassion cultivation practices as helpful and being able to embody the CS in everyday life is key to foster self-compassion and the experience of receiving compassion from others, as well as to promote feelings of safeness, contentment and calmness.

Highlights

When asked about the helpfulness of the compassionate mind training (CMT) practices the majority of participants (49.4%, n = 42) considered them as quite helpful and 30.6% (n = 26) as very helpful
When asked about the situations in which they found themselves acting and feeling as their compassionate self, in general the most reported situations during the study period were coping with difficult emotions, sensitivity to and helpfulness to others, unspecific interpersonal situations and work-related stress situations
This study explored some of the micro processes associated with CMT, in particular how people practice and experience the compassion cultivation practices, and is part of a larger project looking at the effectiveness of compassionate mind training in a nonclinical population (Matos et al, 2017)

Summary

Introduction

There is growing research to show that adopting prosocial, caring and compassionate attitudes and behaviours to oneself and others has a range of physical and mental benefits (Hofmann, Grossman, & Hinton, 2011; Jazaieri, et al, 2013; Keltner, Kogan, Piff, & Saturn, 2014; Pace et al, 2009; Ricard, 2015; Schanche, Stiles, McCullough, Svartberg, & Nielsen, 2011; Singer & Bolz, 2012). Fredrickson, Cohn, Coffey, Pek and Finkel (2008) found that six group sessions, with home practice based on a CD of loving-kindness meditations, increased positive emotions, mindfulness, feelings of purpose in life, social support, and decreased illness symptoms. One approach called compassion focused therapy (CFT) was developed as a psychotherapy for high shame and self-critical people with complex mental health problems (Gilbert, 2000, 2010) for which there is good evidence of effectiveness (Kirby, 2016; Leaviss, & Uttley, 2014). The focus of this therapy is to cultivate and attune with care-focused motives, intentions and friendly affiliative emotions to act as inner supports and antidotes to hostile and fearful ones and shame based and traumatic memories (Gilbert, 2000; 2010). In Tibetan Buddhist traditions the cultivation of one’s compassionate self and identity is the essence of Bodhichitta practice and core to developing well-being for self and others and ethics (Dalai Lama, 1995; Jinpa, 2015; Tsering & McDougall, 2005)

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