Effect of Seminar on Compassion on student self-compassion, mindfulness and well-being: A randomized controlled trial.
Celine M Ko, Fran Grace, Gilbert N Chavez, Sarah J Grimley, Emily R Dalrymple, Lisa E Olson
Journal of American College Health March 22, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1431913 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 41 |
| Population | College students (14 male, 27 female; mean age 19.8 ± 1.4 years) |
| Intervention | Seminar on Compassion |
| Duration | Pre- and post-spring semesters 2013 and 2014 |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Stress, psychological Empathy Mental health Universities Adolescent Female Alpha-amylases Young adult Self report Experimental design Perceived stress College students Salivary alpha-amylase Self-compassion |
| Key findings | The Seminar on Compassion significantly increased mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion and decreased salivary alpha-amylase relative to a wait-list control, but produced no significant changes in depression, anxiety, or perceived stress. At baseline, self-compassion and mindfulness were negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. |
Abstract
Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to have psychological benefits in college students. We explored the effects of an academic Seminar on Compassion on student psychological health.
Participants: Forty-one participants (14 male, 27 female, mean age 19.8 ± 1.4 years) were assessed pre- and post- spring semesters 2013 and 2014.
Methods: Students were randomized to the Seminar on Compassion or a wait-list control group. Participants completed self-report measures on anxiety, depression, perceived stress, self-compassion, compassion and mindfulness. Salivary alpha-amylase was also assessed.
Results: At baseline, self-compassion and mindfulness were negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. There were significant changes between the intervention and control group from Time 1 to Time 2 in mindfulness, self-compassion, compassion, and salivary alpha-amylase; however, there were no significant changes in depression, anxiety, and perceived stress.
Conclusions: The course was effective in increasing mindfulness, self-compassion and compassion, and decreasing a salivary marker of stress.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Effects of the Interculturality and Mindfulness Program (PIM) on University Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education October 5, 2022
- Effectiveness of attachment-based compassion therapy to reduce psychological distress in university students: a randomised controlled trial protocol Frontiers in Psychology August 24, 2023
- A Meta-Analysis Examining the Efficacy and Predictors of Change in Mindfulness- and Self-Compassion-Based Interventions (MBSCIs) in Reducing Psychological Distress Among University Students. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education March 27, 2026
- The efficacy of compassion training programmes for healthcare professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis Current Psychology January 25, 2024
- THE EFFECT OF LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION INTERVENTION ON SELF-COMPASSION IN TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES International Journal of Application on Social Science and Humanities May 22, 2023
and 1 more in the library
Cites 15
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- Loving-kindness and compassion meditation: potential for psychological interventions. Clinical Psychology Review July 26, 2011
- Cultivating mindfulness: effects on well‐being Journal of Clinical Psychology May 16, 2008
- Mindfulness for Teachers: A Pilot Study to Assess Effects on Stress, Burnout, and Teaching Efficacy Mind, Brain, and Education August 16, 2013
and 10 more in the library