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An Examination of the Possibility of Loving-Kindness and Compassion Meditation for Pregnant Women: A Preliminary Study

M. Kim, J. Heo, Wan-Suk Gim

June 30, 2017 DOI: 10.17547/kjsr.2017.25.2.145 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Exploratory pilot study
Sample size 8
Population Pregnant women
Intervention Loving-kindness and compassion meditation (LKCM)
Duration 4-week program
Topics Meditation
Key points LKCM showed potential for improving psychological comfort and positive relationship with the fetus in pregnant women.

Abstract

Loving-kindness and compassion meditation (LKCM) is known to be effective in improving mental health and interpersonal relationships. An exploratory pilot study was conducted with the aim of examining the feasibility of LKCM which known to be effective in improving mental health and interpersonal relationships for pregnant women. Measures of stress, depression, maternal fetal attachment, mindfulness and self-compassion of subjects (n=8) were obtained at baseline, and after a 4-weeks LKCM program to identify effectiveness and supplements. Based on a focus group interview, phenomenological analysis was also conducted. The results showed that improvement potential of psychological comfort, positive relationship with fetus as well as complementary points for session contents and home training. We hope that this study will broaden understanding for the development of LKCM for pregnant women and promote further research.