Dr. Ellen Albertson
Self-Compassion and Body Dissatisfaction in Women:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Meditation Intervention
@eralbertson
Authors
Ellen R. Albertson
Title: Department of Psychology,
Institution: Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA)
Kristin D. Neff
Title: Department of Educational Psychology
Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Karen E. Dill-Shackleford
Title: Department of Psychology
Institution: Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA
Research Topic: Self-Compassion and Body Dissatisfaction in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Meditation Intervention
Abstract: Body dissatisfaction is a major source of suffering among women of all ages. One potential factor that could mitigate body dissatisfaction is self-compassion, a construct that is garnering increasing research attention due to its strong association with psychological health. This study investigated whether a brief three-week period of self-compassion meditation training would improve body satisfaction in a multigenerational group of women. Participants were randomized either to the meditation intervention group (N = 98; M age = 38.42) or to a waitlist control group (N =130; M age = 36.42). Results suggested that compared to the control group, intervention participants experienced significantly greater reductions in body dissatisfaction, body shame, and contingent self-worth based on appearance, as well as greater gains in self-compassion and body appreciation. All improvements were maintained when assessed three months later. Self-compassion meditation may be a useful and cost-effective means of improving body image in adult women.
Ellen R. Albertson
Title: Department of Psychology,
Institution: Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA)
Kristin D. Neff
Title: Department of Educational Psychology
Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Karen E. Dill-Shackleford
Title: Department of Psychology
Institution: Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA
Research Topic: Self-Compassion and Body Dissatisfaction in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Meditation Intervention
Abstract: Body dissatisfaction is a major source of suffering among women of all ages. One potential factor that could mitigate body dissatisfaction is self-compassion, a construct that is garnering increasing research attention due to its strong association with psychological health. This study investigated whether a brief three-week period of self-compassion meditation training would improve body satisfaction in a multigenerational group of women. Participants were randomized either to the meditation intervention group (N = 98; M age = 38.42) or to a waitlist control group (N =130; M age = 36.42). Results suggested that compared to the control group, intervention participants experienced significantly greater reductions in body dissatisfaction, body shame, and contingent self-worth based on appearance, as well as greater gains in self-compassion and body appreciation. All improvements were maintained when assessed three months later. Self-compassion meditation may be a useful and cost-effective means of improving body image in adult women.
| self-compassion-study.pdf |