We would like to acknowledge Susan Pollak for her assistance in conducting this study.
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Intervention Research
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A Pilot Study and Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindful Self-Compassion Program
Article first published online: 15 OCT 2012
DOI: 10.1002/jclp.21923
© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Neff, K. D. and Germer, C. K. (2013), A Pilot Study and Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindful Self-Compassion Program. J. Clin. Psychol., 69: 28–44. doi: 10.1002/jclp.21923
Publication History
- Issue published online: 11 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 15 OCT 2012
- Abstract
- Article
- References
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Keywords:
- self-compassion;
- mindfulness;
- compassion;
- intervention;
- well-being;
- meditation
Objectives
The aim of these two studies was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, an 8-week workshop designed to train people to be more self-compassionate.
Methods
Study 1 was a pilot study that examined change scores in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes among community adults (N = 21; mean [M] age = 51.26, 95% female). Study 2 was a randomized controlled trial that compared a treatment group (N = 25; M age = 51.21; 78% female) with a waitlist control group (N = 27; M age = 49.11; 82% female).
Results
Study 1 found significant pre/post gains in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes. Study 2 found that compared with the control group, intervention participants reported significantly larger increases in self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing. Gains were maintained at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups.
Conclusions
The MSC program appears to be effective at enhancing self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing.