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Changes in body awareness and self-compassion in clinical psychology trainees through a mindfulness program.

Sheila Pintado

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice February 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.12.010 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 8
Population Clinical psychologist trainees
Intervention Mindfulness program
Duration 8 weekly sessions
Topics Meditation
Key findings Mindfulness training was associated with increased body awareness and self-compassion in clinical psychologist trainees over eight weeks.

Abstract

BACKGROUND and

Purpose: Health professional trainees can experience the costs of caring, thus the importance of the teaching self-care. The aim of the present study is to analyze the changes in body awareness and self-compassion in clinical psychologists in training through a mindfulness program.

Materials and Methods: Eight clinical psychologist trainees received eight weekly sessions; qualitative analysis of participants' personal journal was conducted.

Results: First, participants experienced four changes: awareness in physical sensations, well-being, and the sharpening and integration of senses. Then, they relayed an increase in body awareness of unpleasant sensations and self-compassion. On completion of the eight sessions, participants reported synchronicity with others, more compassion for themselves, deepening of body awareness and changes of habits and daily patterns.

Conclusion: Mindfulness can help improve body awareness and self-compassion. It is important to address self-care in future health professionals to prevent stress and burnout, improving self-knowledge and self-consciousness.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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