Do you remember the dread of presenting in front of a crowd, or does even the thought make you uneasy?
For some, anxiety is a daily reality that significantly impacts their ability to function. Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, ranging from social anxiety to generalized worry. While psychotherapy models have traditionally focused on treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), less is known about the effectiveness of third-wave therapies, such as those promoting self-compassion, in addressing GAD. Self-compassion involves mindfulness, kindness, and recognizing that life’s challenges are a shared human experience.
A research team in China investigated whether a self-compassion intervention could be more effective for treating GAD than a mindfulness-based intervention or standard pharmacological treatment. Participants in the mindfulness and self-compassion groups underwent eight sessions over two weeks, alongside their prescribed anxiety medications. The researchers evaluated participants for anxiety, worry, depression, sleep quality, self-compassion, and mindfulness.
The results revealed that both the mindfulness and self-compassion interventions led to a quicker reduction in anxiety and depression compared to medication alone. Notably, the self-compassion intervention also significantly improved sleep quality, a benefit not observed as strongly in the other groups. Researchers hypothesized that the reduction in anxiety contributed to better sleep. Additionally, participants in the self-compassion group expressed a greater willingness to repeat the intervention compared to those in the mindfulness group. These findings underscore the potential of self-compassion as a therapeutic approach for treating GAD. Future studies will have the opportunity to further validate these promising results and explore broader applications.
"Self-compassion, with its focus on mindfulness, kindness, and shared humanity, shows promising potential as a therapeutic approach for treating generalized anxiety disorder."
Investigating the effects and efficacy of self-compassion intervention on generalized anxiety disorders
Do you remember the dread of presenting in front of a crowd, or does even the thought make you uneasy? For some, anxiety is a
Exploring the Link between Athletic Identity, Self-compassion, Communication, and Mental Toughness of Table Tennis Student-Athletes
“Self-compassion emerged as a crucial factor for mental toughness. Athletes who treated themselves with kindness and understanding were more confident, resilient, and capable of coping
How Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Interventions are used for Trauma
“These results highlight that trauma-sensitive interventions could be combined with mindfulness and self-compassion interventions to address the unique presenting clinical problems of those who experienced
Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Compassion for Others: The Role of Psychological Distress and Wellbeing
“The findings do support existing theories that link self-compassion to the ability to receive compassion from others, which is often fostered through secure attachment relationships.
humane Education: Building Pre-Adolescent’s Empathy and Compassion Towards Animals in The Indian Context
This study investigates the impact of humane education on fostering empathy and compassion towards animals within the Indian adolescent population. It addresses the escalating concerns
Emerging Adult Life Satisfaction and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion and Social Support
“Fostering self-compassion and building strong support systems empowers educators and counselors to guide students through mental distress, enhancing their well-being and resilience.” This study investigated