The Effects of a Temple-Based Self-Compassion Meditation Program for Middle-Aged Women: Focusing on Self-Compassion, Life Satisfaction, and Existential Well-being

A self-compassion meditation program for middle-aged women improved mindfulness and self-kindness, two components of self-compassion, and increased positive affect, a component of life satisfaction. However, the program did not produce a statistically significant change in existential well-being. The findings indicate that Buddhist meditation practices adapted from temple settings can enhance certain aspects of psychological well-being in this population.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of a self-compassion meditation program for middle-aged women. The research questions of this study are as follows. First, does the self-compassion meditation program affect the self-compassion of middle-aged women? Second, does the self-compassion meditation program affect the life satisfaction of middle-aged women? Third, does the self-compassion meditation program affect the existential well-being of middle-aged women? To address these questions, a self-compassion meditation program was conducted with middle-aged women, and pre- and post-surveys were conducted using the Self-Compassion Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Existential Well-being Scale. The results were analyzed using frequency analysis, independent samples t-test, and paired samples t-test. The findings of the study are as follows. First, participation in the self-compassion meditation program showed a statistically significant mean difference in mindfulness, a subfactor of self-compassion. Self-kindness showed a statistically significant increase in the mean after participation compared to before participation. Second, participation in the self-compassion meditation program showed a statistically significant mean difference in positive affect, a subfactor of life satisfaction. Third, there was no statistically significant mean difference in existential well-being following participation in the self-compassion meditation program. The significance of this study lies in demonstrating the effects of Buddhist meditation interventions based on temple practices for improving the quality of life of middle-aged women.