ONLINE SELF-COMPASSION TRAINING FOR SHAME, SELF-CRITICISM AND NSSI

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted the role of shame and self-criticism in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), and the potential of self-compassion in reducing shame, self-criticism and NSSI. While self-compassion intervention research for targeting shame and self-criticism is growing, little is known about their effectiveness for NSSI and existing interventions are often intensive and costly. Hence, the present study investigated the effectiveness of an online 7-day self-compassion training (SCT) for reducing shame, self-criticism and NSSI against an active control in 140 individuals with high shame and self-criticism. It was hypothesised that the SCT would improve shame, self-criticism and NSSI more so than the control, and that NSSI would be significantly positively correlated with shame and self-criticism. The current study incorporated components suitable for a one-week online self-compassion daily training intervention using loving-kindness meditation and compassionate letter writing exercises, and assessed outcomes one week later. The current findings showed no evidence for the SCT in reducing shame, self-criticism or NSSI as compared to the control group. The study found significant negative associations among NSSI, shame and self-criticism. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings and possible future research avenues are discussed.