The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training for Menopausal Women on Their Genital Self-Image and Anger: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Esra Sabancı Baransel, Aysel Akbeniz
Research Square October 1, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-10991759/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 126 |
| Population | Menopausal women |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training (MBSCT) |
| Duration | 8 sessions of 40 minutes, once a week |
| Measures | Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), DSM-V Level II Anger Scale |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Registration | NCT06942169 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based self-compassion training was associated with significantly higher genital self-image scores (21.03 vs. 17.76 in controls) and significantly lower anger scores (10.85 vs. 14.34) among menopausal women, with large effect sizes. The authors describe these as preliminary findings requiring confirmation in larger, longer multicenter randomized trials. |
Abstract
Abstract Objectives This study was conducted to determine the effects of mindfulness-based self-compassion training for menopausal women on their genital self-image and anger.
Method: This study was randomized with 126 menopausal women (study group n = 63, control group n = 63) between June 2024 and February 2025. Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training (MBSCT) was applied in groups of 10 and 11 participants, once a week, for 8 sessions of 40 minutes. Data were obtained using the Personal Information Form, Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and DSM-V Level II Anger Scale.
Results: No significant differences were observed between the FGSIS and DSM-V Level II Anger Scale pre-test mean scores of the participants in the study and control groups (p > 0.05). However, the FGSIS post-test mean score was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (21.03 vs. 17.76; mean difference = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.75–4.79; p< .001), and the effect size of this difference was large (Cohen's d = 0.761). In addition, when the DSM-V Level II Anger Scale post-test mean scores were compared, the mean score of the study group was significantly lower than in the control group (10.85 vs. 14.34; mean difference=-3.49, 95% CI: -4.98 to -2.00; p<. 001) and the effect size of this difference was also large (Cohen's d = 0.825).
Conclusion: MBSCT was associated with improved genital self-image and reduced anger levels among menopausal women. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential effectiveness of MBSCT; however, larger multicenter randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.
Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Protocol Registration and Results System (Clinicaltrials.gov), NCT06942169 Date of registration 16.04.2025, retrospectively registered.
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 |