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Compassion focused imagery reduces fears of compassion irrespective of attachment
Deanna Varley1, Chase S Sherwell1, James N Kirby1
1Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Queensland.
Abstract:
The present study evaluated the efficacy of a brief compassion-focused imagery intervention for reducing fears of compassion. This study also examined whether individual differences in attachment would influence treatment effectiveness. We randomly assigned a nonclinical sample of 125 community-dwelling adults to a control group or an intervention group. Those in the intervention group completed a brief intervention involving daily compassionate imagery exercises for 1 week. Those who completed the intervention demonstrated significant reductions in fears of compassion for others, fears of compassion from others, and fears of self-compassion, irrespective of differences in attachment. These findings support the efficacy of compassion-focused imagery exercises in reducing fears of compassion across attachment patterns, suggesting their potential value for enhancing mental well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
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