Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

8-2024

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph. D.

Department

Psychological and Brain Sciences

Degree Program

Clinical Psychology, PhD

Committee Chair

Levinson, Cheri

Committee Member

Bresin, Konrad

Committee Member

DeCaro, Marci

Committee Member

Juarascio, Adrienne

Author's Keywords

eating disorders; self-compassion; self-criticism; shame; mindfulness

Abstract

Background. Shame and self-criticism are mechanisms shown to influence eating disorders (EDs). Self-compassion has been theorized to target shame and self-criticism and is a protective factor against EDs. One intervention shown to increase self-compassion and reduce shame and self-criticism is the Mindful Self-Compassion program (MSC). However, MSC has yet to be tested among individuals with an ED diagnosis. The current study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of MSC delivered in a live, online format among individuals with an ED. Methods. Sixty-one participants completed baseline questionnaires measuring ED symptoms, trait self-compassion, self-criticism, and shame. Participants also answered questionnaires at mid- and post-workshop and completed surveys of state self-compassion, self-criticism, and shame prior to each session. Participant attendance and engagement were also tracked at each session. Participants were also asked to rate the acceptability of the program following its completion. These data were used to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of MSC. Change in trait and state outcomes were also assessed to investigate the preliminary outcomes of MSC for EDs. Results. Forty-four participants attended at least one session. Of these participants, 63.6% completed the workshop. The majority of participants also engaged at each session. Participants also rated the quality of and their satisfaction with the program highly. Trait self-compassion, self-criticism, shame, and ED severity improved from baseline to post-workshop with small to large effect sizes. State self-compassion, self-criticism, and shame also improved across MSC with small to large effect sizes. ED behaviors did not decrease. Conclusions. These findings suggest that MSC is a feasible and acceptable program for individuals with EDs and when delivered in a live, online format. This study also offers initial support for the potential efficacy of MSC for EDs. However, adaptations to MSC may be necessary to improve the efficacy of the program for this population. The results of this study can be used to inform future randomized controlled trials, which are needed to assess the causal impact of MSC on ED symptoms. Future research should also investigate adaptations of MSC for EDs that include a focus on body image and ED behaviors.

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