Does a short self-compassion intervention for students increase healthy self-regulation? A randomized control trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Mental Health
• Intervention Studies

Background:

• University students face challenges with self-regulation, including self-judgment and negative thinking.
• Anxiety and depression are prevalent among university students, impacting overall well-being.
• Self-compassion interventions are emerging as a potential strategy to enhance mental health and self-regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a two-week self-compassion course on healthy and unhealthy self-regulation in university students.
• To assess the effects of the course on self-compassion, anxiety, and depression levels.
• To determine the long-term maintenance of these effects at a six-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 158 university students (85% women, mean age 25).
• Participants were assigned to either a self-compassion intervention group or a waiting-list control group.
• Measures included scales for personal growth self-efficacy, impulse control, self-judgment, negative thinking, self-compassion, anxiety, and depression.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant improvements in personal growth self-efficacy and healthy impulse control.
• Participants in the intervention group experienced reductions in self-judgment and habitual negative self-directed thinking.
• The course led to increased self-compassion and decreased anxiety and depression, with sustained effects at six months.

Conclusions:

• A brief, two-week self-compassion course is an effective intervention for university students.
• The course enhances self-compassion and perceived control, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
• The positive changes in self-regulation and mental health indicators are durable, persisting for at least six months post-intervention.