The Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Based Therapy on Health-Oriented Lifestyle and Mindfulness in Students with Psychological Distress

Mahshid  Khavari; Kobra Haji Alizadeh; Eghbal  Zarei; Fariborz  Dortaj

doi:10.61838/kman.jarac.5.5.5

Authors

Mahshid Khavari PhD student in general psychology, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6883-232X
Kobra Haji Alizadeh Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8698-9790
Eghbal Zarei Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Hormozgan University, Bandar Abbas, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7461-2021
Fariborz Dortaj Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9186-2196

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.5.5.5

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of self-compassion-based therapy on a health-oriented lifestyle and mindfulness in students with psychological distress.

Methods and Materials: The study was applied in purpose, utilized a quasi-experimental method, and employed a pretest-posttest control group design with a three-month follow-up period. The population consisted of all female medical science students in Tehran during the academic year 2020-2021, from which 30 participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups of 15 (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group). Data were collected using the Lovibond and Lovibond's (1995) Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Walker et al.'s (1987) Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, and the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills by Baer et al. (2004). Gilbert's (2009) self-compassion-based therapy sessions were conducted over eight sessions, twice a week for four weeks, each session lasting 90 minutes in a group setting. Data were analyzed through covariance analysis.

Findings: The results showed that self-compassion-based therapy was effective in improving a health-oriented lifestyle and mindfulness among the experimental group students with psychological distress compared to the control group students with psychological distress.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, health professionals can utilize self-compassion-based therapy to improve the health-oriented lifestyle and mindfulness in students with psychological distress.