Pilot Study of an Online Self-Compassion Training: A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial
Lauren Benyo Linford and Jared S. Warren
Citation: Linford, L. B., & Warren, J. S. (2022). Pilot Study of an Online Self-Compassion Training: A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial. European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 6, 12, 1-14. https://www.nationalwellbeingservice.org/volumes/volume-6-2022/volume-6-article-12/
Processing dates: Submitted 15 February 2022; Resubmitted 2 June 2022; Accepted 21 June 2022; Published 20 October 2022
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined the efficacy and feasibility of an internet-delivered self-compassion training within a non-clinical general population sample and its effects on reports of subjective well-being and body dissatisfaction.
Method: Using a randomized-waitlist control design, this study examined whether module participants experienced significant improvements in self-compassion, well-being, and body image compared to waitlist controls. Participants were 228 adults (mean age 30.3, 23.5% male and 76.5% female). At pretest and posttest, both groups completed self-report measures of self-compassion, subjective well-being, and body image.
Results: Repeated measures mixed model analyses revealed that compared to waitlist controls, participants who used the MBS101 self-compassion module reported significant improvements in self-compassion, well-being, and body image with effect sizes ranging from medium to large.
Conclusions: These results lend evidence to support the MBS101 self-compassion module as a promising resource to improve well-being and body image. Future research should examine its efficacy in different populations and focus on expanding its content.
Keywords: self-compassion, subjective well-being, body image, online intervention
Biographies
Lauren Benyo Linford is with the Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3822-1485
Jared S. Warren, Ph.D. is with the Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7413-3015