Comparison of the Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Training and Mentalization-Based Training on Emotional Expressiveness and Emotional Self-Efficacy in Students with Anxiety

Shadi Sadat Seyedi; Reza Ahmadi

Authors

Shadi Sadat Seyedi Department of Psychology, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5920-1597
Reza Ahmadi Department of Psychology, Shk.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran. Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9537-7163

Keywords:

self-compassion, mentalization, emotional expressiveness, emotional self-efficacy, anxiety

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of self-compassion training and mentalization-based training in improving emotional expressiveness and emotional self-efficacy among university students with anxiety. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with two intervention groups and one wait-list control group. The statistical population comprised students enrolled at Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch, during the 2025–2026 academic year. Following screening with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, 45 eligible students with clinically relevant anxiety were selected and randomly assigned to self-compassion training, mentalization-based training, or control groups, with 15 participants in each group. The intervention groups received eight weekly 90-minute group sessions, whereas the control group received no psychological intervention during the study period. Emotional expressiveness was measured using the Emotional Expressivity Questionnaire, and emotional self-efficacy was assessed using the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance, univariate ANCOVA, and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons in SPSS version 26. After adjustment for pretest scores, the multivariate effect of group was significant, Wilks’ Lambda = .187, F(4, 78) = 22.34, p < .001, partial η² = .534. Significant group effects were also found for emotional expressiveness, F(2, 41) = 17.20, p < .001, partial η² = .456, and emotional self-efficacy, F(2, 41) = 17.20, p < .001, partial η² = .456. Bonferroni comparisons showed that both interventions significantly outperformed the control group on both outcomes. Self-compassion training was also significantly more effective than mentalization-based training for emotional expressiveness (mean difference = 2.73, p = .024) and emotional self-efficacy (mean difference = 5.73, p < .001). Both self-compassion training and mentalization-based training were effective in enhancing emotional expressiveness and emotional self-efficacy among anxious students; however, self-compassion training produced stronger effects and may be particularly useful in university counseling settings.

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