A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program.
Kristin D Neff, Christopher Germer
Journal of Clinical Psychology October 15, 2012 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.21923 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study and randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Community adults; Study 1: N=21, mean age 51.26, 95% female; Study 2: treatment N=25, mean age 51.21, 78% female; waitlist control N=27, mean age 49.11, 82% female |
| Intervention | Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program |
| Duration | 8-week workshop; 6-month and 1-year follow-ups |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Pilot projects Empathy Self concept Adult Middle aged Boston Female Surveys and questionnaires |
| Key findings | The Mindful Self-Compassion program increased self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing in a pilot study and, in a randomized controlled trial, produced significantly larger gains than a waitlist control, with gains maintained at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. The authors conclude the program appears effective at enhancing these outcomes. |
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of these two studies was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, an 8-week workshop designed to train people to be more self-compassionate.
Methods: Study 1 was a pilot study that examined change scores in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes among community adults (N = 21; mean [M] age = 51.26, 95% female). Study 2 was a randomized controlled trial that compared a treatment group (N = 25; M age = 51.21; 78% female) with a waitlist control group (N = 27; M age = 49.11; 82% female).
Results: Study 1 found significant pre/post gains in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes. Study 2 found that compared with the control group, intervention participants reported significantly larger increases in self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing. Gains were maintained at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups.
Conclusions: The MSC program appears to be effective at enhancing self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
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 217
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016
- Interoception, contemplative practice, and health Frontiers in Psychology June 9, 2015
- Effect of kindness-based meditation on health and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology June 30, 2014
- The effect of loving-kindness meditation on positive emotions: a meta-analytic review Frontiers in Psychology November 3, 2015
and 212 more in the library
Cites 16
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- 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
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Professionals: Results From a Randomized Trial. International Journal of Stress Management May 1, 2005
- Teaching self-care to caregivers: Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology May 1, 2007
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