Journal article
A Randomised Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Self-Compassion Meditations on Women’s Body Image
Body Image, Vol.35, pp.22-29
2020
Abstract
Although research has suggested that body image improves following self-compassion meditation training, studies have been limited due to the use of a wait-list control group. This study therefore compared the effects of self-compassion meditations to an active control group. Seventy young adult women (17-35 years) were randomly assigned to receive either self-compassion or nature-focused guided imagery meditations. Over one week, participants engaged in two meditations and completed pre- and post-test measures of trait self-compassion, body appreciation, body shame, and appearance-contingent self-worth. A mixed design analysis of variance revealed a main effect of time; women in both meditation groups demonstrated significant increases in self-compassion and body appreciation, and significant reductions in body shame. No effect was found for appearance-contingent self-worth. There were no interactions or main effects for group. Self-compassion may improve body image in women, although there was no evidence for an advantage of self-compassion over guided imagery meditations. Common elements between self-compassion and guided imagery may be a mechanism for improving body image. However, further research is warranted to isolate the effects of these meditations from other specific and non-specific treatment effects. (This study was pre-registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618001814268).
Details
- Title
- A Randomised Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Self-Compassion Meditations on Women’s Body Image
- Authors
- Amy De Wet (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyBen R Lane (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical SystemsKate E Mulgrew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Body Image, Vol.35, pp.22-29
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.07.009
- ISSN
- 1873-6807
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99483606202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Clinical
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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Source: InCites