Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form Research Articles

Self-Rated Effectiveness of Ayahuasca and Breathwork on Well-Being, Psychological Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Personality: An Observational Comparison Study

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of classical psychedelics like ayahuasca for mental health improvement. Naturalistic studies at ayahuasca retreats have shown (short-term) improvements in mental well-being but understanding the psychological mechanisms is crucial. We are interested in psychological processes such as resilience, self-compassion, and personality traits. Additionally, it is unclear whether changes are solely due to ayahuasca or influenced by the social setting. To address this, a control group participating in a breathwork session, similar to ayahuasca retreats, was included. Methods: In this observational study, individuals who attended an ayahuasca retreat (n = 69) and individuals who participated in a breathwork session (n = 30) completed an online survey one week before (baseline) and one, six, and twelve weeks after they entered the retreat/session. The survey included a series of questionnaires, i.e., the World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index, 14-item Resilience Scale, Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form, and Big Five Inventory-10. A linear mixed model (LMM) was used to analyze the outcome data. Results: It was shown that well-being, resilience, and self-compassion increased and remained stable over 12 weeks compared to baseline, regardless of group (ayahuasca or breathwork). Older participants generally reported higher resilience and self-compassion. Self-compassion was also higher in the ayahuasca group overall. Neuroticism decreased in both groups, with lower scores in the ayahuasca group. Agreeableness increased over time, also not influenced by group membership, while there were no changes in extraversion, conscientiousness, or openness. Discussion: Both interventions improved well-being, aligning with prior research. Importantly, this study unveils a novel finding: both interventions enhance resilience and self-compassion for up to three months, offering promise for conditions marked by low well-being, resilience, and self-compassion like depression and anxiety-related disorders. While acknowledging its limitations (e.g., self-selected sample, no specific information of the ayahuasca brew or the breathwork technique), it emphasizes the need for controlled studies with control groups, attention to social contexts in research on these interventions, and to assess other variables like depth of altered states of consciousness that might explain improvement in psychological processes and wellbeing.

The effect of mindfulness-based compassionate living training for informal caregivers of palliative inpatients on burnout and caregiving burden: a randomized controlled trial.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) training given to the informal caregivers of palliative patients on burnout and caregiving burden. A single-blind, randomized, controlled, experimental study was conducted with 54 caregivers of patients admitted to a hospital palliative care unit. The participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 26) and control group (n = 28). The experimental group received MBCL training twice a week for 4 weeks. Data were collected before and after the intervention using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Caregiver Burden Scale and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form. The data were analyzed using kurtosis and skewness coefficients, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, independent samples t test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test and Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS version 22.0. The informal caregivers in the experimental group demonstrated a significant decrease in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores and an increase in personal accomplishment and self-compassion scores in posttest assessments after the MBCL intervention (P < 0.05). All of these parameters differed significantly between the experimental and control groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). MBCL training seems to be effective in reducing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and increasing personal accomplishment and self-compassion among informal caregivers of palliative inpatients. The results of this study can be generalized to the caretakers of patients receiving palliative care in university hospitals.

The relationship between personality, self-compassion, and social interest levels of psychological counsellor candidates

ABSTRACT A cross-sectional research design was used to examine the relationship between personality, self-compassion and social interest levels of 351 psychological counsellor candidates. Data were collected with the Personality Test of Adjectives, the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, and the Social Interest Index. Correlation and regression analyses were used to analyze data. A moderately negative relationship was found between self-compassion and neuroticism, while a moderately positive relationship was found between extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness, and a low-level positive relationship was found between agreeableness. While a moderate negative relationship was observed between social interest and neuroticism, a moderate positive relationship was found between extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and responsibility. Personality explained 47.6% of the variance regarding self-compassion and 42.2% of the variance regarding social interest.

Predictive Model of Anxiety and Depression Perception in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Possible Implications for Clinical Treatment.

To establish a predictive model for the presence of anxiety and depression in MS patients, based on variables such as psychological well-being, functional activity, and prefrontal symptoms. Additionally, this study aimed to propose non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives based on this model. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 64 diagnosed MS patients who underwent functional and cognitive assessments using the following questionnaires and scales: Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), Experiences Questionnaire (EQ), Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI). The model showed an excellent fit to the data and indicated that psychological well-being was the most significant predictor of the criteria (β = -0.83), followed by functional activity (β = -0.18) and prefrontal symptoms (β = 0.15). The latter two are negatively related to psychological well-being (β = -0.16 and β = -0.75, respectively). Low psychological well-being is the variable that most significantly predicts the presence of anxiety and depression in MS patients, followed by functional activity and prefrontal alterations. Interventions based on mindfulness and acceptance are recommended, along with nutritional interventions such as antioxidant-enriched ketogenic diets and moderate group physical exercise.

Self-Compassion, Anxiety and Depression Symptoms; the Mediation of Shame and Guilt.

Self-compassion is related to psychological well-being and can improve mental health problems. The present study aimed to examine the relationship of self-compassion with anxiety and depression symptoms considering the mediating effects of shame and guilt. Two hundred forty-three participants in Iran completed the measures of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), self-compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), and personal feelings questionnaire-2 (PFQ-2 Brief). The result showed that there was a significant negative correlation between self-compassion and shame, guilt, depression, and anxiety. The correlation between shame and guilt with depression and anxiety was also positive and significant. Mediation analysis was used to examine whether self-compassion predicted decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety through decreased shame and guilt. The results showed that self-compassion has a negative direct effect on depression symptoms. The direct effect of self-compassion on anxiety symptoms was not significant. Moreover, we found that shame and guilt mediate the relationship between self-compassion and depressive symptoms. However, the indirect effect of guilt on anxiety symptoms was not significant. The findings of the current study demonstrate that Self-compassion is linked to more psychological strengths and efficient emotional regulations, leading to less self-conscious emotions (shame and guilt) and decreased depression and anxiety symptoms.

Do compassion and self-compassion moderate the relationship between childhood socioeconomic position and adulthood body composition?

The study aims to investigate the associations of compassion and self-compassion with body composition, and whether adulthood compassion and self-compassion moderate the relationship between childhood SEP and adulthood body composition. The participants came from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study (n = 789, 52.1% women), with a mean age of 34.0 years. Compassion and self-compassion were measured with the Dispositional Positive Emotions Scale and Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form, respectively. Body composition was assessed using anthropometric and body fat measurements at a clinic. Childhood SEP included parental occupation, education, and employment. The results showed that high compassion was associated with three out of the five body composition measurements, namely lower waist circumference (B = −0.960, p = 0.039, 95% CI: −1.870; −0.498), body fat percentage (B = −0.693, p = 0.030, 95% CI: −1.317; −0.069), and fat mass index (B = −0.325, p = 0.023, 95% CI: −0.605; −0.044) (adjusted for sex, and childhood and adulthood SEP) but not with body mass index or waist-to-hip ratio. Self-compassion was not associated with body composition. Neither compassion nor self-compassion moderated the association between childhood SEP and adulthood body composition, as the interaction effects were not significant. Therefore, the dispositions did not protect against the negative effects of childhood SEP on adulthood body composition. High other-directed compassion may be, however, associated with healthier body composition.

Impostor phenomenon is a common feature among individuals with primary hyperhidrosis.

Primary hyperhidrosis consists of excessive focal sweating. Affected individuals camouflage the sweating on their body, avoiding stigmatisation. Hence, misrepresentation in social interactions is a common feature in patients with hyperhidrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate impostor phenomenon, perfectionism, self-compassion, stress and anxiety among individuals with primary hyperhidrosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted at our clinic among 100 participants with axillary and palmar primary hyperhidrosis. The questionnaire contained a hyperhidrosis part and Perceived Stress Scale-4, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale-2, Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire-6, Self-Compassion Scale Short form and Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. Descriptive statistics was used for analyses of categorical variables. As data were normally distributed independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey test were used to compare the mean values for the questionnaires with other variables. Pearson's correlation was used, and a forward multiple linear regression model was performed to predict presence of impostor phenomenon with gender, age and other scales in this study. Impostor phenomenon occurred in almost half of our patients (48%) with hyperhidrosis. While feelings of impostor phenomenon were more common in women, there was no difference between gender regarding its intensity levels (p = 0.07). In addition, we found a significant (p < 0.001) negative correlation between impostor phenomenon and self-compassion, while feelings of impostoer phenomenon increased with stress, anxiety and perfectionism (p < 0.001). Feelings of impostor phenomenon was found in 48% of individuals with hyperhidrosis which indicates that it is a common feature in this patient group. Future research is warranted regarding the prevalence of impostor phenomenon in hyperhidrosis and other medical conditions, among men and women, seeking medical healthcare. Psychological interventions in hyperhidrosis may be beneficial both for the individual and in public health, by facilitating management of patients' daily lives and saving considerable resources in healthcare regarding pharmacological interventions and medical consultations.

Is self-compassion relevant for refugees? A cross-sectional study of the relationship between self-compassion and depression among Kurdish refugees in Norway

Extensive research presents self-compassion as beneficial for mental health in a wide range of samples. However, knowledge about the role of self-compassion for mental health in refugee population is scarce. The purpose of this exploratory cross-sectional study was to explore the association between self-compassion and depression in a sample of Kurdish refugees in Norway (N = 106, 59.4% women). An online survey including questions about post-migration work-related stress, the Self-Compassion Scale Short-Form (SCS-SF), and Major Depressive Inventory (MDI) was distributed. The results showed that self-compassion was strongly associated with depressive symptoms (r = −0.61, p < .01). In a multiple regression analysis, work-related stress (β = −0.24, p < .001) and negative subscale of self-compassion compassion (β = .54, p < .001) predicted unique variance in depression. A moderation analysis using Hayes “Power” macro showed that level of self-compassion did not moderate the effects of post-migration work-related stress on depressive symptoms. The results indicate that even though self-compassion contributed significantly to levels of depression, it could not fully protect against post-migration risk factors. The study may provide a useful framework for guiding research, clinical practice, and mental health prevention in refugee populations.

Effects of a group-based music imagery program on promoting coping resources among undergraduate students: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Music is well-known for its stress-reducing effects. Little is known about the potential effect of music interventions in fostering internal coping resources for stress management among undergraduate students in Hong Kong. This pilot study aimed to examine the efficacy of the Group-based Focus Music Imagery Program (GFMI) in promoting a stress-is-enhancing mindset, sense of coherence, and self-compassion among undergraduate students. We used a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT). The experimental arm received 6 weeks of GFMI with measures taken at two time points after completing baseline assessments (Weeks 6, 10). The control arm received 6 weeks of an active control program and completed the outcome measures at time points similar to the GFMI group. Data were collected using the Chinese versions of the Sense of Coherence Scale (C-SOC-13), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (C-SCS-SF), the Stress Mindset Measure (C-SMM), the Perceived Stress Scale (C-PSS-10), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (C-GAD-7). Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 32) or the control group (n = 32) between July 2021 and September 2022. The experimental group exhibited a retention rate of 71.9% at T1 (23 out of 32 participants), which slightly decreased to 65.6% (21 out of 32) at T2. The control group displayed a retention rate of 75% (24 out of 32) at T1, which dropped to 43.8% (14 out of 32) at T2. The GEE analyses showed insignificant differences between groups at any time point in C-SOC-13, C-SCS-SF, and C-SMM. Instead, the control group had a higher reduction in stress scores (C-PSS-10) at T1, and anxiety (C-GAD-7) at T2 than the experimental group. The pilot trial provided valuable information in examining the feasibility of the trial design and intervention. Future studies with larger samples are needed to validate if GFMI can reliably promote coping resources to manage stress and anxiety in undergraduate students. https://www.researchregistry.com/, researchregistry8209.

Investigating associations between self-compassion, self-criticism and psychotic-like experiences.

Dimensional approaches suggest psychotic symptoms exist along a continuum, with psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) being an expression of a non-clinical psychosis phenotype. Existing research indicates self-criticism may contribute to symptom maintenance, frequency and distress, whereas self-compassion may act protectively. Associations between self-criticism, self-compassion and PLEs in the general population have received less attention. The present study sought to investigate these associations. It was hypothesised that PLE endorsement would be associated positively with self-criticism and negatively with self-compassion. Quantitative cross-sectional study. Data collected via an online questionnaire. Five hundred thirty-one participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale (Short Form), the Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale and the Transpersonal Experiences Questionnaire. Individuals with a psychosis-related diagnosis were excluded. The data were analysed using linear regression, accounting for the effects of demographic variables. Self-criticism subtype self-hatred was associated with PLEs. Subtype self-inadequacy was not. No association was found between self-compassion and PLEs. Educational attainment was negatively associated with PLE endorsement. Self-criticism, but not self-compassion, is associated with PLE endorsement, suggesting they are separate factors with different relationships to PLEs. Further research is needed to confirm the direction of the interaction. Either way, psychological interventions (where needed) could target self-criticism and may be important in assessing psychosis risk.

Investigating the relationship between self-esteem and body image concern and self-compassion in women with female pattern hair loss

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between self-esteem body image concern and self-compassion in women with hair loss with a female pattern, in this study descriptive-correlation method was used, and the statistical population of this study includes all women with hair loss. It was with a female pattern that they referred to the Runic Skin and Hair Clinic in Qazvin City in the spring of 1402, and the statistical sample of the present study included 300 women with female pattern hair loss who were selected by available sampling. Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), body image concern questionnaire (BICI) and self-compassion scale short form (SCS-SF) were used to collect data. After distributing and completing the questionnaires, the samples were collected and scored. The results showed that self-esteem has a negative and statistically significant relationship with concern about body image in women with hair loss with a feminine pattern, and self-esteem has a statistically significant positive relationship with self-compassion in women with hair loss with a feminine pattern (05/05). 0&gt;P).

Resilience and self-compassion among persons with depressive disorders: Prerequisite for a positive mental health approach.

Treatment gap for common mental health problems, especially of the depressive disorders is consequential in developing countries like India. Positive mental health domains like resilience and self-compassion have been long hailed as protective factors against depression and viable for use in therapeutic aspects. The objectives were to find an association between resilience, self-compassion, and depression. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design among 75 respondents who were seeking treatment for major depressive disorders from a tertiary care center during the second wave of COVID-19. Three scales were administered online, namely Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD RISC-25), and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Spearman's rank correlation test, Chi-square with Fisher's exact test, and Kruskal Wallis H test were used to study the relationships and differences in average scores with respect to the severity of depression. Most of the respondents had moderate depressive features along with moderately high levels of resilience (CD RISC 25) and self-compassion (SCS-SF) scores. Resilience and self-compassion were found to have no significant relationship with respect to the severity of depression. There was a weakly positive correlation between resilience and self-compassion among those with moderate and severe depression. Since the individuals with depression had higher scores on resilience and self-compassion, the levels of depression remained at moderate levels of severity despite the devastating impact of the second wave of COVID-19 in the Indian sub-continent. Results are to be interpreted with respect to psychosocial contexts arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health programs can incorporate the variables of resilience and self-compassion in intervention among individuals with depression which have likely been beneficial in their process of recovery.

The Adaptation of the State Self-Compassion Scale Long and Short Form to Turkish Culture: Validity and Reliability Study

Study 1. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the State Self-Compassion Scale-Long Form (SSCS-L). The research was conducted on 536 individuals. As a result of the linguistic equivalence study, a positive significant correlation ranging from r=.384 to .909 was found between the original and Turkish items of the study. As a result of CFA, fit index values were found as (χ2/sd= 386.886/120=3.224, p=.00), RMSEA=.064, NFI=.915, CFI=.939, IFI=.940, RFI=.892, GFI=.923 and SRMR=.046. The Self-Compassion Scale was used to test the criterion-related validity. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was found to be .841. The internal consistency coefficient of the factors of the scale was calculated between .742 and .923. The item-total correlations ranged from .39 to .80, while the item discrimination index values of the upper-lower group ranged between 8.22 and 22.3. The research findings demonstrated that the State Self-Compassion Scale-Long Form is a valid and reliable instrument in Turkish culture.Study 2. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the State Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SSCS-S). The research was conducted on 536 individuals. As a result of the linguistic equivalence study, a positive significant correlation ranging from r=.505 to .797 was found between the original and Turkish items of the study. As a result of CFA, fit index values were found as (χ2/sd= 31.660 /9=3.518, p=.00), RMSEA=.075, NFI=.954, CFI=.967, IFI=.967, RFI=.924, GFI=.979 and SRMR=.033. The Self-Compassion Scale was used to test the criterion-related validity. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was found to be .873. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated .782 for the scale. The item-total correlations ranged from .36 to .64, while the item discrimination index values (t) of the upper-lower group ranged between 12.69 and 21.65. The research findings demonstrated the State Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form is a valid and reliable instrument in Turkish culture.

Psychometric Properties of Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form in a Turkish Young Adult Sample

The current study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) in a Turkish young adulthood sample. The study participants comprised 139 Turkish university students in Study 1 and 200 Turkish university students in Study 2. The SCS-SF was translated into Turkish; experts examined the translation studies to check the content validity. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to investigate construct validity in both studies. As with the long version, a six-factor and a single higher-order factor structure of the Shortened Self-Compassion Scale were confirmed in both study 1 and study 2. To check convergent validity, the scores of SCS-SF were compared with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scores significant correlations were found. Reliability analyses were conducted to test internal and test-retest reliability and generally yielded acceptable reliability estimates. Thus, as a reliable and valid instrument, the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form can be used to measure the self-compassion level of Turkish young adults as an alternative to the long version of the SCS.

ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF SELF-COMPASSION SCALE-SHORT FORM FOR ADOLESCENT DRUG ABUSERS AT SOCIAL REHABILITATION FOUNDATIONS IN INDONESIA

Self-compassion is one of the adaptive self-attitudes that can be used by adolescents who experience personal dissonance or facing difficult situations and implemented as a normal experience of adolescents who drugs abuse. However, studies on standardized instruments and self-compassion profiles of drug abusers in Indonesia are still limited. Therefore, an intensive study of standardized instruments is needed to measure the compassion of adolescent drug abusers. This study uses an adaptation of a instrument procedures. As many of 38 as teenage drug users of six Social Rehabilitation Foundations in Indonesia. Data is measured using Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form. Operationally, the data analysis used Rash Model 3.75. The results showed that SCS-SF has satisfactory psychometric properties. Further studies are required to examine the psychometric properties of the SCS-SF of various participant socio-demographic factors.&#x0D;

A Correlational Study Of Midwives' Self-Compassion, Psychosocial Health, and Well-Being During the First Wave of COVID-19. What Have We Learned?

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives worked in a threatening environment and worried about themselves and their families becoming infected. Self-compassion is defined as an attitude of self-kindness that is supported by a balanced attitude toward negative thoughts or feelings and may contribute to the psychosocial health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to describe midwives' self-compassion, psychosocial health, and well-being and the correlation between them. This was a descriptive correlational study using a survey administered online during May, 2020. Participants included midwives who worked in labor and delivery units across Israel during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures included a demographic questionnaire; the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF), which has 12 items in 6 subscales; and the psychosocial health and well-being questionnaire, a short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, which has 24 items in 6 subscales. Participants (N = 144) reported a moderate-high level of self-compassion with a mean (SD) SCS-SF score of 3.57 (0.69). The mean (SD) psychosocial well-being score was 30.72 (13.57). The burnout subscale score had the highest mean (46.27), representing a high level of burnout. A minority (11.3%) of midwives considered resigning their midwifery positions. A higher level of self-compassion correlated with better psychosocial well-being (r = -0.466; P < .001). The highest correlation was found between the SCS-SF and the psychosocial health and well-being subscale for depressive symptoms (r = -0.574; P < .001). During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives had a moderate-high grade of self-compassion and good psychosocial well-being. Midwives with higher self-compassion had better psychosocial well-being. The findings could inform the development of programs to increase midwives' self-compassion, and psychosocial well-being and the quality of midwifery care, in times of stability and during future pandemics or disasters.

Feasibility of Mindfulness for Burn Survivors and Parents of Children with Burns

Burn survivors, spouses, and parents of children with burns may experience psychological distress for a prolonged period. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an intervention that can improve psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an MBSR group intervention in a convenience sample. An MBSR group intervention was conducted for burn survivors (n = 8) and parents of children with burns (n = 9), each comprising eight sessions. The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II-NL, PTSS Checklist DSM-5, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short form, and evaluation questions at baseline, immediately after, and three months post-intervention. All participants completed the intervention. The intervention was rated very useful (M = 8.8), and the participants were very satisfied (M = 8.8). The highest effect was observed in the parents’ group on mindfulness skills and self-compassion. For both groups, there was an increase in personal goal scores immediately after the intervention. Qualitative data show that the participants in both groups experienced more inner peace, more awareness of thoughts and emotions, and more self-compassion. This exploratory study suggests that a mindfulness intervention is feasible and can be effective in improving mindfulness skills and self-compassion, particularly in parents of children with burns.

Is online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with increased burnout in medical learners?: A medical school's experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual curriculum delivery at Canadian medical schools. At the NOSM University, some learners transitioned to entirely online learning, while others continued in-person, in-clinic learning. This study aimed to show that medical learners who transitioned to exclusively online learning exhibited higher levels of burnout compared to their peers who continued in-person, clinical learning. Analysis of factors that protect against burnout including resilience, mindfulness, and self-compassion exhibited by online and in-person learners at NOSM University during this curriculum shift were also explored. As part of a pilot wellness initiative, a cross-sectional online survey-based study of learner wellness was conducted at NOSM University during the 2020-2021 academic year. Seventy-four learners responded. The survey utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Brief Resilience Scale, Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised, and the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form. T-tests were utilized to compare these parameters in those who studied exclusively online and those who continued learning in-person in a clinical setting. Medical learners who engaged in online learning exhibited significantly higher levels of burnout when compared with learners who continued in-person learning in a clinical setting, despite scoring equally on protective factors such as resilience, mindfulness, and self-compassion. The results discussed in this paper suggest that the increased time spent in a virtual learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic might be associated with burnout among exclusively online learners, as compared to learners who were educated in clinical, in-person settings. Further inquiry should investigate causality and any protective factors that could mitigate negative effects of the virtual learning environment.

Self-compassion and cognitive flexibility in people with body dysmorphic disorder syndrome

Introduction: Negative body image and its adverse behavioral consequences are important public health concerns, and studying effective psychological factors in its formation is very important. Aim: The present research aimed to compare Self-compassion and Cognitive flexibility in people with and without body dysmorphic disorder syndrome. Method: The present study had a descriptive and causal-comparative design. The research population consisted of all women and men aged 18 to 40 of Tehran in 2022, from which a sample of 62 people was selected by available and purposeful sampling method (31 people as a sample group with symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder and 31 people as a sample group without symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder). Participants answered the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: BDD-YBOCS (1997), Self-compassion Scale-Short Form (2011), and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (2010). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, by SPSS-25 software. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of self-compassion (F=31.16, P=0.001, Eta=0.34) and cognitive flexibility (F=31.24, P=0.001, Eta=0.18) were significantly lower in the group with symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder than the group without symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: The present study highlighted the importance of psychological mechanisms in the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. These findings indicated that psychotherapists should pay essential attention to the special psychological attributes of people with symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder at the time of prevention and treatment.

Online mindfulness-based intervention for women with pregnancy distress: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPregnancy distress among childbearing women is common and can negatively affect both mother and infant. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may have a positive effect on pregnancy distress but randomized controlled trials with sufficient power are lacking. The current study examined the effectiveness of an online self-guided MBI in pregnant women with pregnancy distress. MethodsPregnant women with elevated pregnancy distress levels at 12 weeks of pregnancy, measured with the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale negative affect (TPDS-NA), were randomized into an intervention group (online MBI, N = 109) or control group (care as usual, N = 110). The primary outcome was the change in pregnancy distress post-intervention and at eight-weeks-follow-up. Secondary outcomes were mindfulness skills (Three Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form), rumination (Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form) at post-intervention and follow-up in the intervention group. ResultsSignificant improvements were found in pregnancy distress scores, but no significant differences between intervention and control group appeared. The MBI group showed improvements in mindfulness skills, rumination, and self-compassion. LimitationsLow adherence to the intervention and assessment of secondary outcome measures in the intervention group only. ConclusionsAn intervention trial with one of the largest samples (N = 219) provided no evidence of a significant effect of an online self-guided MBI in distressed pregnant women. An online MBI may be associated with an improvement in mindfulness skills, rumination, and self-compassion. Future research should address the effectiveness of MBI's with different formats (online and group-based combined) and examine a possible delayed effect. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03917745, registered on 4 March 2019.