Effects of the Mindful Self‐Compassion programme on clinical and health psychology trainees' well‐being: A pilot study

Abstract

Background

Clinical and health psychologists are often exposed to occupational hazards, such as burnout and compassion fatigue, which originate from emotional demands at work. Mindful Self‐Compassion (MSC) training has been demonstrated to be useful in increasing well‐being and enhancing mental health. Although the use of the MSC programme in educational contexts has been suggested, an evaluation of its efficacy as a method to improve the competencies of trainees in clinical psychology has yet to be performed.

Methods

Our study used a sample of 61 adults (88.5% women) attending postgraduate courses in clinical and health psychology who participated in an 8‐week MSC programme. Their levels of self‐compassion, mindfulness, well‐being, anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention. Based on the participants' adherence to the MSC programme, two groups were created, that is, high (n = 30) versus low (n = 31) adherence.

Results

The participants in the high‐adherence group benefitted from the MSC programme because they increased their self‐compassion, mindfulness and psychological well‐being scores. The extent to which the participants reported to have been committed to the MSC practice was associated with changes in self‐compassion, mindfulness and psychological well‐being. Furthermore, the changes in self‐compassion were significantly correlated with changes in mindfulness and psychological well‐being.

Conclusion

The MSC programme offers a promising way to develop professional competencies and enhance the well‐being of trainees in clinical psychology.

Key words:

• mental health professionals
• mindfulness
• psychology training
• self‐compassion
• well‐being