Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Protocol Informed by the Lived Experiences of Adolescents with Self-Injurious Behaviors on Emotion Regulation and Body Image
Keywords:
mindfulness, self-compassion, emotion regulation, body image, adolescents, self-injury, intervention, randomized controlled trialAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based self-compassion protocol, informed by the lived experiences of adolescents with self-injurious behaviors, in improving emotion regulation and body image.
Methods and Materials: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with two groups: an intervention group and a waitlist control group, each consisting of 15 adolescents (aged 13–17) from Tehran with a documented history of non-suicidal self-injury. Participants in the intervention group received a ten-session, researcher-designed protocol integrating mindfulness and self-compassion exercises, including emotion-focused tasks, expressive art, and identity-based practices. Assessments were conducted at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up, using standardized instruments for emotion regulation and body image. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27.
Findings: Results indicated significant group × time interaction effects for both variables. For emotion regulation, the intervention group showed a significant reduction from pre-test to post-test (F(2, 56) = 39.24, p < .001, η² = .61) and sustained improvement at follow-up. Similarly, body image scores significantly improved in the intervention group over time (F(2, 56) = 33.61, p < .001, η² = .55). Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons revealed statistically significant changes between pre-test and both post-test and follow-up for both emotion regulation and body image (all p < .001), with no significant changes between post-test and follow-up, indicating the durability of the effects.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the value of compassion-focused, experiential approaches in youth mental health interventions targeting emotion dysregulation and negative body image.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Elham Fallahmanesh (Author); Mohammad Ghamari (Corresponding author); Samira Vakili, Marzieh Gholami Toran Poshti (Author)
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