The Effect of Daily Meditative Practices Based on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion on Emotional Distress under Stressful Conditions: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education April 10, 2023 María Elena Gutiérrez-hernández, Luisa Fernanda Fanjul Rodríguez, Alicia Díaz Megolla et al. 4 citations
An online self-compassion intervention during the first ten weeks of COVID-19 lockdowns increased self-compassion and reduced anxiety, depression, and stress in a non-clinical sample. Sixty-one participants completed at least two thirds of the sessions, which included guided meditations and inquiry, while 65 people formed a waiting-list control group. The control group showed no significant changes. Emotional improvements in the intervention group were linked to increased self-compassion. However, at follow-up, distress scores returned to pre-intervention levels, suggesting that benefits may require regular practice to be maintained, especially under ongoing high stress.