Compassion-based Interventions Research Articles

Randomized controlled trial of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based group intervention for persons with inflammatory bowel disease: the LIFEwithIBD intervention.

This study tested the acceptability and efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based intervention (LIFEwithIBD) in people with IBD through a two-arm RCT. Participants were recruited at the Gastroenterology Department of the Coimbra University Hospital between June and September 2019. Of the 355 patients screened, those who accepted to participate were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: experimental group (LIFEwithIBD; n = 25) or control group (waitlist; n = 29). Participants completed self-report measures at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. Intervention acceptability was assessed. Efficacy was examined using intent-to-treat ANCOVA at post-intervention after adjusting for baseline values of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms (primary outcomes). Linear mixed models for all longitudinal outcomes were also analysed. Inflammatory and disease biomarkers were determined at T0 and T3. Acceptability results revealed a high level of satisfaction and perceived usefulness regarding the intervention. Both groups experienced a significant decrease in stress symptoms and IBD symptom perception at T1. No significant differences were observed at follow-up for the primary outcomes. The experimental group reported significantly lower Crohn's disease Symptom severity at T2 than the control group. Post-hoc analyses designed to mitigate floor effects revealed substantial treatment effects for the experimental group regarding anxiety symptoms. No significant differences were observed in clinical biomarkers from T0 to T3. The LIFEwithIBD intervention shows promising, although preliminary, benefits for managing disease activity and reducing anxiety symptoms in IBD patients with high severity of psychological distress.Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03840707, identifier NCT03840707.

Effectiveness of compassion-based interventions at work: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis considering process evaluation and training transfer

AbstractThe aim of this study sought to systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of compassion-based interventions in the workplace. This study examines the mechanisms of the evaluation process and the elements that promote training transfer and its effects on well-being. Through rigorous systematic review methods, a total of nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The results of the random effect model indicate a standardized mean difference of -.24, 95% CI [-.62, .14], suggesting a non-significant decrease in stress levels between pre- and post-compassion training. Similarly, the standardized mean difference of -.096, 95% CI [-.50, .31] suggests a non-significant decrease in depression levels between pre- and post-compassion training. These findings indicate that there were no significant differences in the effects of the interventions. Even more, six studies met the key components of the process evaluation and none measured training transfer. According to these results, we proposed in the current study a "Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Compassion-based Interventions in the Workplace," which offers guidelines for quality designing, implementing, and evaluating compassion-based interventions in the workplace, considering four key components: Structural Elements, Process Evaluation, Training Transfer and Well-being Outcomes. This study highlights the importance of improving the methodology of studies, conducting larger-scale trials, and focusing on the key components of compassion-based interventions. Additionally, exploring training transfer and its impact on well-being is suggested. These findings provide a foundation for future research in the field of compassion-based interventions in the workplace.

Online compassion-based self-help for depression in people with skin conditions: a feasibility study.

There is a need to develop psychological interventions for depression in people with skin conditions. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and effects of an online compassion-based self-help intervention for depression in people with skin conditions. Adult participants (n = 34) with skin conditions and mild-moderate depressive symptoms were invited to undertake a six-week, compassion-based online intervention for depression with email support. Engagement with the intervention was monitored, along with time spent facilitating the intervention, and participant feedback was collected each week and post-intervention. Pre-post changes in depression, self-compassion and dermatological quality of life were also assessed. The intervention was started by 25 participants and completed by 13. Feedback scores indicated that the website was evaluated positively and that the sessions had positive impacts on participants. Participants appreciated the skin-specific aspects of the intervention but varied as to which of the compassion-based exercises they found helpful. The online intervention was feasible to provide and facilitate, and treatment completers showed improvements in depression, quality of life and self-compassion. The online compassion-based intervention holds promise as a treatment for depression in people with skin conditions. Recommendations are made for future research and further development of the intervention. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 21 October 2019, NCT04132973.

Addressing Ethical Concerns in Implementing Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Educational Setting

AbstractThe burgeoning interest in mindfulness and the way it has been stripped from its Buddhist ontological roots and popularized in the West has recently raised ethical concerns regarding its application in various domains, and more specifically in the educational field. We will address in this article three main ethical concerns regarding implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the educational field. Firstly, how do we help educators and students cultivate personal awareness while at the same time being conscious of the needs of others and promote a pro-social orientation? Secondly, how do we ethically implement MBIs in the current neoliberal social, cultural, and political context? Thirdly, how do we implement MBIs in a culturally sensitive manner respecting the ethics of other ethnic groups and other societies? We will attempt to offer solutions to those issues by exemplifying how MBIs are integrated with compassion-based interventions (e.g., mindful self-compassion (MSC)) and social-emotional learning (understanding and managing emotions, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions) among educators and students in Jewish and Arab schools in Israel. We will discuss three MBI programs that incorporate strategies addressing social ailments such as stereotyping and prejudicial attitudes and promote pro-social behavior as well as share research findings regarding their efficacy. Additionally, we will outline ways in which these mindfulness-based programs were adapted to suit different populations. Finally, we will conclude by pointing to future means to address these issues.

Efficacy of a single session mindfulness based intervention: A randomized clinical trial.

Loneliness, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of existing mindfulness and compassion-based intervention are effective, but are time-intensive, decreasing overall accessibility and scalability. Single-session interventions (SSIs) serve as a promising alternative. The current pre-registered randomized clinical trial evaluated a newly developed, manualized, mindfulness-based single-session intervention. 91 adults were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) one-hour mindfulness only telehealth intervention; (b) one-hour mindfulness and compassion telehealth intervention; or (c) one-week waitlist control (before randomization to an active intervention). Intervention sessions were conducted by graduate students in clinical psychology. The primary outcome was self-reported loneliness; secondary outcomes were self-reported perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Using Bayesian multilevel models, we found that compared to the waitlist-control, the inclusion of a compassion component led to meaningful reductions in perceived stress b = -3.75, 95% HDI [-6.95, -0.59], anxiety b = -3.79, 95% HDI [-6.99, -0.53], and depression b = -3.01, 95% HDI [-5.22, -0.78], but not loneliness at the 1-week follow-up. Results suggest that a single-session mindfulness and compassion intervention may lead to meaningful reductions in perceived stress, symptoms of anxiety, and symptoms of depression, but not loneliness. Implications of these findings are discussed.

The Importance of Body Acceptance in Exploring the Relationships of Mindfulness-Based Constructs to Eating Behaviours among Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract Introduction Mindfulness and mindfulness-based constructs (e.g. self-compassion and mindful eating) have been negatively associated with problematic eating and body-related issues in general and other specific populations. Exploration of mindfulness-based concepts in relation to problematic eating would provide novel insight into the relationships of these elements among gay and bisexual men. The present research aimed to identify the role of body acceptance in exploring previous relationships between mindfulness-based constructs and eating behaviours. Methods Participants completed an online questionnaire, comprising measures assessing mindfulness, self-compassion, mindful eating, body acceptance, grazing, emotional eating, restrained eating and external eating (data collection occurred in 2022). Correlation and further mediation analysis was employed to assess the relationships of these constructs within the present sample (n = 164). Results Positive associations between body acceptance and mindfulness-based concepts and negative associations to problematic eating (grazing; emotional, restrained, and external eating) were found within a sample of self-identified gay and bisexual men. Mediation analysis showed the importance of body acceptance in exploring relationships between mindfulness, self-compassion, and mindful eating to grazing, emotional, restrained and external eating. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of body acceptance when considering the development of mindfulness- and/or compassion-based interventions to attenuate problematic eating among gay and bisexual men. Policy Implications This research consolidates the importance of mindfulness and related constructs when considering problematic eating, which should be reflected in policy aiming to attenuate unhealthy eating in specific populations.

Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers in Residential Youth Care: Investigating their Experiences Through a Thematic Analysis

ObjectivesCompassion can be valuable in demanding help settings, both to professionals and clients. Nevertheless, compassion-based interventions have not yet been investigated in residential youth care. This qualitative study aimed to examine the caregivers’ experiences with the Compassionate Mind Training program for Caregivers (CMT-Care Homes), as well as their perceptions regarding the barriers/enablers, transfer of learnings, and impact at individual, group, and organizational levels.MethodThree focus groups were conducted, enrolling 19 caregivers after their participation in the CMT-Care Homes. Data were examined using thematic analysis.ResultsFour overarching themes, 10 themes, and 14 subthemes were identified. The CMT-Care Homes seemed to enable the development of the three flows of compassion (i.e., compassion towards others, receive compassion from others, and self-compassion). While the program’s acceptability, practice, and transfer of learnings seem to facilitate compassion, reported difficulties with some formal practices and fears, blocks, and resistances to compassion might be barriers to its development. Knowledge and practices were transferred to work, both at individual and collective levels, increasing caregivers’ emotional health and strengthening team functioning. The program also contributed to improve care practices and to promote an affiliative organizational climate. Indirect impact on youth was also reported, regarding their reactions to the caregivers’ compassionate attitudes.ConclusionsFindings demonstrated promising benefits of the CMT-Care Homes in residential youth care settings, at personal, team, and organization levels. Compassion was helpful in working with youth, and in regulating caregivers’ own emotions at work. Limitations regarding method and data analysis should be considered.

The Effectiveness of Fully Automated Digital Interventions in Promoting Mental Well-Being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Recent years have highlighted an increasing need to promote mental well-being in the general population. This has led to a rapidly growing market for fully automated digital mental well-being tools. Although many individuals have started using these tools in their daily lives, evidence on the overall effectiveness of digital mental well-being tools is currently lacking. This study aims to review the evidence on the effectiveness of fully automated digital interventions in promoting mental well-being in the general population. Following the preregistration of the systematic review protocol on PROSPERO, searches were carried out in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, Scopus, and ACM Digital (initial searches in February 2022; updated in October 2022). Studies were included if they contained a general population sample and a fully automated digital intervention that exclusively used psychological mental well-being promotion activities. Two reviewers, blinded to each other's decisions, conducted data selection, extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies. Narrative synthesis and a random-effects model of per-protocol data were adopted. We included 19 studies that involved 7243 participants. These studies included 24 fully automated digital mental well-being interventions, of which 15 (63%) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with no intervention, there was a significant small effect of fully automated digital mental well-being interventions on mental well-being in the general population (standardized mean difference 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.33; P=.02). Specifically, mindfulness-, acceptance-, commitment-, and compassion-based interventions significantly promoted mental well-being in the general population (P=.006); insufficient evidence was available for positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions; and contraindications were found for integrative approaches. Overall, there was substantial heterogeneity, which could be partially explained by the intervention duration, comparator, and study outcomes. The risk of bias was high, and confidence in the quality of the evidence was very low (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations), primarily because of the high rates of study dropout (average 37%; range 0%-85%) and suboptimal intervention adherence (average 40%). This study provides a novel contribution to knowledge regarding the effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of fully automated digital mental well-being interventions in the general population. Future research and practice should consider these findings when developing fully automated digital mental well-being tools. In addition, research should aim to investigate positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy-based tools as well as develop further strategies to improve adherence and reduce dropout in fully automated digital mental well-being interventions. Finally, it should aim to understand when and for whom these interventions are particularly beneficial. PROSPERO CRD42022310702; https://tinyurl.com/yc7tcwy7.

MITIG.RA: study protocol of a tailored psychological intervention for managing fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDespite remarkable medical advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a subset of patients fails to achieve complete clinical remission, as the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) of disease activity remains above 1, even after the inflammatory process is brought under control. This so-called state of ‘PGA-near-remission’ negatively impacts individuals’ functioning and potentiates inadequate care. Fatigue is a distressing and disabling symptom frequently reported by patients in PGA-near-remission, and its management remains challenging. While classic cognitive-behavioural interventions show some benefits in managing fatigue, there is potential for improvement. Recently, contextual-cognitive behavioural therapies (CCBT), like mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based interventions, have shown promising results in fatigue-associated disorders and their determinants. This study primarily aims to examine the efficacy of the Compassion and Mindfulness Intervention for RA (MITIG.RA), a novel intervention combining different components of CCBT, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU) in the management of RA-associated fatigue. Secondary aims involve exploring whether MITIG.RA produces changes in the perceived impact of disease, satisfaction with disease status, levels of depression, and emotion-regulation skills.MethodsThis is a single center, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Patients will be screened for eligibility and willingness to participate and will be assessed and randomized to the experimental (MITIG.RA + TAU) or control condition (TAU) using computer randomization. MITIG.RA will be delivered by a certified psychologist and comprises eight sessions of 2 h, followed by two booster sessions. Outcomes will be assessed through validated self-report measures, including fatigue (primary outcome), perceived impact of disease, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, safety, and satisfaction (secondary outcomes). Assessment will take place at baseline, post-intervention, before the first and second booster sessions (weeks 12 and 20, respectively), and at 32 and 44 weeks after the interventions’ beginning.DiscussionWe expect MITIG.RA to be effective in reducing levels of RA-associated fatigue. Secondarily, we hypothesize that the experimental group will show improvements in the overall perceived impact of disease, emotional distress, and emotion regulation skills. Our findings will contribute to determine the benefits of combining CCBT approaches for managing fatigue and associated distress in RA.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05389189. Registered on May 25, 2022.

Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a compassion-based cognitive behavioural intervention for low self-esteem in sexual minority young adults.

Low self-esteem can impair daily functioning and is a risk or maintenance factor for several mental health problems. Sexual minority young adults, for example, those identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual, on average have lower self-esteem than their heterosexual peers. Compassion-based interventions for low self-esteem might be especially beneficial for sexual minority young adults, whose higher levels of shame and self-criticism are likely to be contributing to maintenance of their low self-esteem. This study explored the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a new compassion-based cognitive behavioural intervention for low self-esteem tailored to sexual minority young adults. Participants were a community sample of 24 sexual minority young adults aged 16-24 experiencing clinically significant low self-esteem. An uncontrolled pre-/post-design was used with qualitative feedback and quantitative outcomes. Self-report standardised measures were completed at baseline, pre-intervention, intervention mid-point, post-intervention and 2-month follow up. Preliminary efficacy was examined through post-intervention changes in self-esteem, functioning, anxiety and depression. Potential mechanisms of change were examined through changes in self-compassion, self-criticism and unhelpful coping responses to minority stress. Results showed good acceptability and feasibility and preliminary evidence of intervention efficacy for improving self-esteem, functioning, depression and anxiety. There was evidence for improvement in self-compassion and reduction in self-criticism, and these constructs could be investigated in future studies as treatment mediators. Randomised controlled studies are needed to further examine efficacy of the intervention.

Compassion apps for better mental health: qualitative review.

There is increasing empirical evidence for the positive mental health effects of compassion-based interventions. Although numerous smartphone apps offering compassion-based interventions ('compassion apps') are now available for the general public, the quality of these apps has not yet been reviewed. A qualitative review of existing compassion apps serves as a crucial first step toward testing the efficacy of these apps, by identifying good-quality compassion apps that might be worth the investment of a scientific trial. The current study focuses on reviewing the quality of existing compassion apps. Existing compassion apps were identified through searches in the Google Play Store and App Store. The 24 included apps were reviewed on their quality by using the Mobile App Rating Scale, and on their consistency with current evidence by comparing them to existing and studied compassion-based interventions. Of the 24 included apps, eight were identified that met the criteria of being consistent with existing and studied compassion-based interventions, and acceptable to good overall quality. The other 16 apps failed to meet one or both of these criteria. Good-quality compassion apps are available, but many of the available apps fail to meet certain quality criteria. In particular, many apps failed to offer sufficient relevant and correct information, or failed to offer this information in an entertaining and interesting way. It is recommended that future compassion apps are based on a clear definition of compassion, offer evidence- and theory-based exercises and implement tools for increasing engagement.

The Promising Role of Self-Compassion in Managing Type 1 Diabetes

Given the demanding daily regimen for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and emphasis on personal responsibility for self-management, people with T1D can experience self-criticism and diabetes distress. How an individual responds to and copes with diabetes-related feedback may influence self-care, health outcomes, and overall well-being. Self-compassion in the context of diabetes has limited but promising research on its ability to alleviate distress in people with T1D. This narrative review captures relevant, existing literature on self-compassion, compassion-based interventions, and T1D and describes four topic areas where diabetes-specific self-compassion and compassion-based interventions may be particularly relevant: (1) diabetes technology use; (2) relationship with eating and body image; (3) social interactions; and (4) healthcare interactions. Compassion-based interventions have the potential to enhance positive coping skills and to alleviate diabetes distress; more research is needed to understand the role of diabetes-specific self-compassion and to develop high-quality evidence-based interventions.

A Brief Self-Compassionate Letter-Writing Intervention for Individuals with High Shame.

Over the last decade, the mental health of undergraduate students has been of increasing concern and the prevalence of psychological disorders among this population has reached an unprecedented high. Compassion-based interventions have been used to treat shame and self-criticism, both of which are common experiences among undergraduate students and transdiagnostic vulnerability factors for an array of psychological disorders. This randomized controlled study examined the utility of a brief online self-compassionate letter-writing intervention for undergraduate students with high shame. Participants were 68 undergraduates who scored in the upper quartile on shame. Individuals were randomly assigned to a 16-day self-compassionate letter-writing intervention (n = 29) or a waitlist control group (n = 39). Participants completed baseline, post-assessment, and one-month follow-up measures. Participants who practiced self-compassionate letter writing evidenced medium-to-large reductions in global shame, external shame, self-criticism, and general anxiety at post-assessment, and gains were sustained at follow-up. Additionally, there were trend-level effects for increases in self-compassion and decreases in depression for those who participated in the intervention. This study examined the efficacy of self-compassionate letter-writing as a stand-alone intervention for undergraduate students with high shame. This brief, easily accessible, and self-administered practice may be beneficial for a host of internalizing symptoms in this population and may support university counseling centers as they navigate high demand for mental health services.

Fostering collective climate action and leadership: Insights from a pilot experiment involving mindfulness and compassion.

Recent research suggests that mindfulness, compassion, and self-compassion relate to inner transformative qualities/capacities and intermediary factors that can support increased pro-environmental behavior and attitudes across individual, collective, organizational, and system levels. However, current insights focuson the individual level, are restricted to certain sustainability fields, and wider experimental evidence is scarce and contradictory. Our pilot study addresses this gap and tests the aforementioned proposition in the context of an intervention: an EU Climate Leadership Program for high-level decision-makers. The intervention was found to have significant effects on transformative qualities/capacities, intermediary factors, and pro-environmental behaviors and engagement across all levels. The picture is, however, more complex for pro-environmental attitudes. With due limitations (e.g., small sample size), this preliminary evidence confirms the feasibility and potential of mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions to foster inner-outer transformation for sustainability and climate action. Aspects that should be taken into account in larger confirmatory trials are discussed.

The Mediating Role of Body Acceptance in Explaining the Relation of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion and Mindful Eating to Body Image in Gay Men and Bisexual Men

ObjectivesMindfulness and mindfulness-based constructs, such as self-compassion and mindful eating, have been positively associated with healthier eating and body related perceptions. Exploration of mindfulness and related concepts have not been investigated extensively in gay and bisexual men, a population where eating and body related concerns have been found to be widespread.MethodParticipants completed an online questionnaire, assessing mindfulness, self-compassion, mindful eating, body image and body acceptance. Correlation analysis and further mediation analysis was conducted to explore the relations between these constructs within the present sample (n = 163).ResultsA community sample showed a positive association of body image to mindfulness-based concepts, and negative to body non-acceptance, within the target population. Mediation analysis showed the role of body acceptance in explaining the relation between mindfulness, self-compassion and mindful eating to body image.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of body acceptance when considering the development of a mindfulness or compassion-based intervention to attenuate body related issues among gay and bisexual men.PreregistrationThis manuscript has not been preregistered.

Supplemental Material for Efficacy of a Mindfulness and Compassion-Based Intervention in Psychotherapists and Their Patients: Empathy, Symptomatology, and Mechanisms of Change in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental Material for Efficacy of a Mindfulness and Compassion-Based Intervention in Psychotherapists and Their Patients: Empathy, Symptomatology, and Mechanisms of Change in a Randomized Controlled Trial

The effectiveness of compassion-based interventions among cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study examined the effects of compassion-based intervention on mental health in cancer patients by using systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Eleven bibliographic databases were searched from their earliest data available date up to March 1, 2022. The databases were PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, WOS, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, Airiti Library, and the National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations in Taiwan. Ten studies from 2015 to 2021 were included with a total of 771 cancer patients. Most were targeted at women with breast cancer. Brief compassion-based interventions of approximately 30minutes were conducted by audio file, paper, and web-based self-guided writing prompts. Most were conducted after the completion of active treatment. Anxiety was the most measured outcome. Constructive compassion-based interventions with 4- to 12-week sessions were conducted by a trained facilitator. Most were conducted for patients who had undergone treatment, and depression was the most measured outcome. The meta-analysis indicated that compassion-based interventions had a significant effect of reducing depression and increasing self-compassion. Moderation analysis indicated that constructive intervention showed more benefits of increased self-compassion than brief intervention. Both face-to-face and non-face-to-face web-delivered formats had benefits for increasing self-compassion compared with the control condition. Compassion-based interventions might provide an effective strategy for improving self-compassion and depression among patients with breast cancer. Suggestions for further research and health-care providers follow.

Compassion-based interventions in Asian communities: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Practising compassion increases well-being and reduces depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among clinical and non-clinical populations. There is a rapid increase in compassion-based interventions within the past two decades. However, the reviews are limited to predominantly Western cultures. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the literature attempting to promote and increase compassion in Asian communities. Eight randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2016 to 2021 were included in the meta-analysis with data from 1012 participants across Thailand, Japan, China and Hong Kong. Effect sizes were calculated to test the efficacy of the compassion-based interventions on the self-compassion outcome. Intervention efficacy was tested by comparing the intervention groups against control groups (wait-list control and active control groups) at pre- and post-interventions. Significant between-group differences in change scores were found on self-report measures of self-compassion with large effect sizes in interventions with wait-list control groups (d= .86) and small effect sizes in interventions with active-control groups (d= .19). Although compassion-based interventions are heterogeneous in nature and limited in scope, there is promising evidence of improving self-compassion in Asian communities. This supports for the cross-cultural applicability of compassion-based interventions. However, research within the Asian context is limited and at an infancy stage, signifying the importance of conducting further compassion-based interventions in clinical and non-clinical groups living in the Asian communities.

How does self-compassion help people adjust to chronic skin conditions? A template analysis study.

ObjectivesSkin conditions can greatly impact people's lives, but greater understanding of the processes involved in positive adjustment is required. Self-compassion has strong links to wellbeing and adaptive functioning and therefore may play an important role in adjustment to skin conditions.DesignTemplate analysis was used to explore how self-compassion operates in people living with skin conditions, with reference to existing theories of self-compassion.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with highly self-compassionate people with chronic skin conditions (N = 10). Theoretical models of self-compassion were used in the development of the initial template and interview schedule. Participants were purposively selected on the basis of having high scores on a measure of self-compassion.ResultsParticipants reported a variety of ongoing skin-related difficulties and their ways of managing these. Sensitivity to distress and care for wellbeing were identified as foundation themes: necessary components of a compassionate response to distress. Eleven types of difficulty-management strategies built upon these foundation themes: empathy, non-judgement, distress tolerance, self-kindness, mindful attention, perspective-taking, self-talk, self-care, using social support, concealment, and idiosyncratic coping strategies.ConclusionsComponents of self-compassion helped people adjust to chronic skin conditions in a wide variety of ways, indicating that psychological adjustment is not a simple, linear process. Sometimes compassionate responses occurred automatically and sometimes with deliberate effort. Further research on compassion-based interventions for people with skin conditions is warranted.

Nature-based mindfulness-compassion programs using virtual reality for older adults: A narrative literature review

The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, increasing the necessity for effective interventions targeting the mental health needs of older adults. Technology addressing the aging process of older adults (i.e., gerontechnology) is an avenue for the efficient delivery of programs that enhance adult well-being. Virtual reality (VR) is a type of gerontechnology with the potential to improve mental health and well-being (e.g., by increasing resilience, mindfulness, compassion, connection with nature, and decreasing stress, depression, anxiety); however, evidence in this area is currently lacking and more rigorous research on the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of mental health programming via VR for older adults, such as nature, mindfulness, or compassion-based interventions, is necessary. The present literature review: 1) explores, synthesizes, and critically evaluates the literature on older adult mental health, well-being and gerontechnology, with a focus on virtual reality-based nature, mindfulness, and compassion-based interventions; 2) examines research to date on the relationship between virtual reality technology and nature, mindfulness, and self-compassion; 3) identifies gaps, contradictions, and limitations of existing research; 4) identifies areas for further investigation; and 5) discusses implications for research and clinical practice.