Feasibility, acceptability, and depression outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens (MSC-T) for adolescents with subsyndromal depression.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents are experiencing high rates of depressive symptoms, with negative consequences to their long-term health. Group-based, mindful self-compassion programs show promise in mitigating the development of more significant depression in at-risk adolescents. However, the lack of well-designed, active control conditions has limited the ability to examine the efficacy of such interventions. METHODS: Fifty-nine adolescents (Mage = 15.81, 70% female) with subsyndromal depressive symptoms from the Southeastern US were randomized to group-based Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens (N = 30) or a newly developed active control Healthy Lifestyles group (N = 29) during 2018 and 2019. Participants attended 8 weekly "main" sessions followed by 6 monthly continuation sessions. The feasibility and acceptability of participation in both groups were measured using attrition, attendance, credibility, and satisfaction data. Depression scores were collected weekly, and self-compassion scores were collected five times across 36 weeks. RESULTS: Both groups were equally feasible and acceptable during the 8-week program period; however, monthly continuation sessions were poorly attended in both groups. The risk of developing clinically significant depression was 2.6 times higher in the control group compared with the self-compassion group (p = .037) across 36 weeks. Depression significantly decreased in the self-compassion group, while it significantly increased in the control group. Both groups increased significantly in reports of self-compassion. These findings are on par with results noting the efficacy of cognitive-based interventions for high-risk adolescents; follow-up studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to confirm these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Initial examination suggests Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens programming is feasible, acceptable, and efficacious in preventing the development of clinically significant depression in adolescents with subsyndromal depression. Future studies may benefit from refinements to the self-compassion measurement and/or the attention control condition; moreover, larger sample sizes are needed to confirm results.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Experimental Pain Sensitivity and Cortisol Responses in Women With Early Life Abuse: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Early life abuse (ELAb) initiates pathophysiological cascades resulting in long-term maladaptive stress responsivity, hyperalgesia, and an increased risk of psychopathology. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is effective in modifying psychological and somatic symptoms; thus, we predicted that MBSR would be particularly efficacious for women with ELAb. METHOD: Medically healthy women (mean age = 31 years) with or without a history of early (≤13 years) physical or sexual abuse provided self-report measures and were tested in the laboratory before and after randomization to standard MBSR (n = 52) or social support (SSG) (n = 60) for 8 weeks. The laboratory procedure involved pain testing using the cold pressor and temporal summation of heat pain (indexing central sensitization) procedures, and exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test. Plasma cortisol in response to the experimental protocol was assessed as area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The interventions differentially impacted pain sensitivity and cortisol AUC for women with ELAb, as MBSR increased the temporal summation of heat pain intensity ratings (p = .024) and reduced cortisol AUC (p = .004). For women without ELAb, MBSR decreased cold pressor tolerance (p = .045) and decreased the temporal summation of heat pain intensity ratings relative to SSG (p = .024). Both MBSR and SSG improved depression symptoms and emotion regulation abilities (p values < .001); however, MBSR was associated with greater benefits in describing emotions (p = .008) and impulse control (p = .017) for women with ELAb. CONCLUSIONS: Women with ELAb benefited from MBSR-specific improvements in central sensitization, mindfulness skills, and emotion regulation abilities. This is the first study to examine the efficacy of MBSR in modifying affective and somatic symptoms based on ELAb status and provides evidence for considering ELAb in tailoring treatment approaches.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01995916; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01995916.

Development and Validation of the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth.

We present a series of studies on the development and validation of the Self-Compassion Scale-Youth version (SCS-Y), which is intended for use with early adolescents in middle school. Study 1 (N = 279, Mage = 12.17) describes the selection of 17 items out of a pool of 36 potential items, with three items each representing the subscales of self-kindness, mindfulness, common humanity, self-judgment, isolation, and two items representing over-identification. Using state-of-the-art psychometric analyses ideal for examining multidimensional constructs like self-compassion-bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (bifactor-ESEM)-findings supported the use of a general self-compassion score and six subscale scores. Study 2 cross-validated the factor structure of the SCS-Y with a second sample of youths (N = 402, Mage = 12.43). Study 3 found support for the test-retest reliability of the SCS-Y (N = 102, Mage = 12.52). Study 4 (N = 212, Mage = 12.18) established construct validity for the SCS-Y by demonstrating that SCS-Y scores were significantly associated with mindfulness, happiness, life-satisfaction, depression, resilience, and achievement goal orientation in expected directions. Overall, findings suggest that the SCS-Y is a reliable and valid measure of self-compassion for use with youths.

Certified nursing assistants' experiences with self-compassion training in the nursing home setting.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in nursing home (NH) settings experience considerable work-related and personal stress. Self-compassion is a personal resource linked to improved stress coping and may be particularly relevant to health care workers. In this study, we explored NH CNA's experiences with self-compassion training based on their narrative replies. Twenty-two CNAs (100% female, mean age 48 years, 82% Black/African American) from 3 mid-sized, non-profit NHs in the Southeast US completed either a standard 8-week, 20 h self-compassion training or a 6-week, 6 h modified version designed for health care providers. Qualitative data analyses from post-training focus group discussions identified four themes pertaining to changes in: (1) stress management, (2) appreciation and support, (3) caregiver role, and (4) connection to others. Findings suggested self-compassion training is feasible and beneficial for the stressors that CNAs experience. In the era of COVID-19 and beyond, self-compassion training is a promising method to improve CNAs' well-being.

Adolescent Self-Compassion Moderates the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Internalizing Symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: Self-compassion, a trait that involves responding to one's difficulties with care and concern, may offer unique stress coping benefits during the challenges of adolescence. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used survey data from a large adolescent sample within two U.S. school settings (N=1,057; 65% female; 68% white; mean age 14.7 years) to examine whether self-compassion buffers the impact of perceived stress on internalizing symptoms, and secondarily, if these relationships differ by gender. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed self-compassion is inversely related to internalizing symptoms. Moreover, the relationship between stress and depression and anxiety symptoms differed by level of self-compassion. This moderation effect was similar between genders for depressive symptoms, but slightly greater in males compared to females for anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These results add to our understanding of self-compassion as an adaptive emotion regulation strategy with potential benefits for youth experiencing stress. Further research is needed to confirm if moderation effects for anxiety differ by gender.

A mindful self-compassion videoconference intervention for nationally recruited posttreatment young adult cancer survivors: feasibility, acceptability, and psychosocial outcomes.

PURPOSE: Young adult (YA) cancer survivors report substantial distress, social isolation, and body image concerns that can impede successful reintegration into life years after treatment completion. Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) interventions focus on developing mindfulness and self-compassion for managing distress, hardships, and perceived personal inadequacies. An MSC intervention would be beneficial in supporting YA survivors' management of psychosocial challenges that arise in survivorship; however, a telehealth intervention modality is essential for reaching this geographically dispersed population. We conducted a single-arm feasibility study of an MSC 8-week videoconference intervention for nationally recruited YA survivors (ages 18-29). METHODS: The MSC intervention was group-based, 90-minute videoconference sessions, held weekly over 8 weeks, with audio-supplemented home practice. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via attendance rate and an intervention satisfaction scale. Baseline to post-intervention changes in psychosocial outcomes (body image, anxiety, depression, social isolation, posttraumatic growth, resilience, self-compassion, mindfulness) were assessed using paired t tests and Cohen's d effect sizes. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants were consented and 25 attended a videoconference group. Feasibility was established with 84% attending at least six of the eight sessions, and intervention acceptability was high (M = 4.36, SD = 0.40, score range = 1-5). All psychosocial outcomes, except for resilience, demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.002), with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's d > 0.5). CONCLUSION: YA survivors are interested in receiving an MSC videoconference intervention. Feasibility, acceptance, and potential psychosocial benefits of the intervention were demonstrated. Findings can be applied toward the design of an efficacy randomized controlled trial to improve quality of life for YA survivors in transition after cancer treatment.

Response to a mindful self-compassion intervention in teens: A within-person association of mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional well-being outcomes.

As adolescence can be a stressful developmental stage, the purpose of this study was to determine if a novel mindful self-compassion program would decrease stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety and increase resilience, gratitude, and curiosity/exploration (positive risk-taking), and to ascertain if mindfulness and self-compassion co-varied with these outcomes over time. Forty-seven adolescents in the southeast U.S. enrolled in an 8-week mindful self-compassion course in five cohorts. Measures were assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6-week follow-up. Multilevel growth analyses revealed main effects of time on perceived stress, resilience, curiosity/exploration and gratitude. Additionally, both mindfulness and self-compassion co-varied with perceived stress and depressive symptoms; mindfulness also co-varied with anxiety and self-compassion co-varied with resilience and curiosity/exploration. Implications of these findings are that this program has potential in decreasing stress and increasing resilience and positive risk-taking. Future studies with a control group need to be conducted to confirm these findings.

Age and Gender Differences in the Associations of Self-Compassion and Emotional Well-being in A Large Adolescent Sample.

Adolescence is a challenging developmental period marked with declines in emotional well-being; however, self-compassion has been suggested as a protective factor. This cross-sectional survey study (N = 765, grades 7th to 12th; 53 % female; 4 % Hispanic ethnicity; 64 % White and 21 % Black) examined whether adolescents' self-compassion differed by age and gender, and secondly, whether its associations with emotional well-being (perceived stress, life satisfaction, distress intolerance, depressive symptoms, and anxiety) also differed by age and gender. The findings indicated that older females had the lowest self-compassion levels compared to younger females or all-age males. Self-compassion was associated with all emotional well-being measures, and gender and/or age moderated the associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Among older adolescents, self-compassion had a greater protective effect on anxiety for boys than for girls. Additionally, older adolescents with low and average self-compassion had greater levels of depressive symptoms than those with high self-compassion. These results may inform for whom and at what age self-compassion interventions may be implemented to protect adolescents from further declines in emotional well-being.

From a state to a trait: Trajectories of state mindfulness in meditation during intervention predict changes in trait mindfulness.

Theory suggests that heightening state mindfulness in meditation practice over time increases trait mindfulness, which benefits psychological health. We prospectively examined individual trajectories of state mindfulness in meditation during a mindfulness-based intervention in relation to changes in trait mindfulness and psychological distress. Each week during the eight-week intervention, participants reported their state mindfulness in meditation after a brief mindfulness meditation. Participants also completed pre- and post-intervention measures of trait mindfulness and psychological symptoms. Tests of combined latent growth and path models suggested that individuals varied significantly in their rates of change in state mindfulness in meditation during the intervention, and that these individual trajectories predicted pre-post intervention changes in trait mindfulness and distress. These findings support that increasing state mindfulness over repeated meditation sessions may contribute to a more mindful and less distressed disposition. However, individuals' trajectories of change may vary and warrant further investigation.

The Prevalence and Benefits of Self-Compassion Among Professional Caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: Self-compassion is a healthy way of responding to challenges that may help long-term care professional caregivers (ie, nursing assistants and personal care aides) cope with stress, but its use may vary in important ways. This study explored the relationships between self-compassion and caregiver demographic characteristics, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and job satisfaction in a large racially/ethnically diverse sample of professional caregivers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional self-report questionnaire. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 391 professional caregivers, including nursing assistants and personal care aides from 10 nursing homes and 3 assisted living communities in New York, California, and North Carolina. METHODS: Professional caregivers were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding stress and coping. Self-compassion was measured using the Self-Compassion for Youth Scale; anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using standardized screeners; and job satisfaction was assessed via an item used in a national survey. Self-compassion scores were represented by total scores and individual subscale scores. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in self-compassion scores based on demographic characteristics, and correlation coefficients were used to explore relationships between self-compassion and mental health symptoms and job satisfaction. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in self-compassion based on age, race/ethnicity, place of birth, and education. In general, older caregivers, caregivers with higher education, and caregivers born outside the United States had the highest self-compassion, whereas White caregivers had the lowest self-compassion. Self-compassion was negatively associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms and positively associated with job satisfaction. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Professional caregivers' use of self-compassion to cope with challenges may depend on characteristics and life experiences influenced by their sociocultural background. Given the link between self-compassion and lower mental health symptoms and higher job satisfaction, it may be helpful to design and implement interventions with these differences in mind.

Feasibility and acceptability of implementing the Making Friends with Yourself intervention on a college campus.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of Making Friends with Yourself (MFY): A Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Teens and Young Adults with a sample of college students. A secondary objective was to explore changes in psychosocial outcomes. Participants: Twenty-five students (23 females; mean age 20.35 years) enrolled in the 8-week intervention. Methods: Feasibility was measured by attendance and retention of participants; acceptability was determined through analysis of focus group data. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed through analyses of pre- and post-intervention measures. Results: The intervention was feasible as 20 students attended at least seven of eight classes, and 21 completed the program. Students found the intervention acceptable and reported significant increases in mindfulness and self-compassion and decreased perceived stress from pre- to post-intervention. However, academic stress increased. Conclusions: MFY may be a feasible and acceptable program to offer to college students. Further piloting in college student populations is recommended.

Self-compassion training to improve well-being for surgical residents.

CONTEXT: Burnout remains prevalent among surgical residents. Self-compassion training may serve to improve their well-being. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact on well-being of a self-compassion program modified for surgical residents. DESIGN: This is a 3-year, mixed-methods study using pre-post surveys and focus groups to identify areas for programmatic improvement and the subsequent impact of the modifications. SETTING: A single academic institution. PARTICIPANTS: Surgical residents participating in a self-compassion program. INTERVENTIONS: A self-compassion program adapted from a larger course to fit the needs of surgical residents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Themes relating to the program's strengths and weaknesses were identified through participant focus groups. Well-being was assessed through validated measurement tools, including The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Perceived Stress Scale, and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-6. RESULTS: 95 residents participated in the self-compassion program, of which 40 residents completed both surveys (total response rate: 42%). All participants demonstrated severe burnout pre-program, based on scores of at least one of the MBI subscales. Emotional exhaustion scores improved post-program, with larger improvements seen after program modifications (2018: 58% vs 2020: 71%). Focus group findings demonstrated that residents need a safe and distraction-free space to practice self-compassion, and program engagement improved following modifications.

Teaching Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Self-Compassion (TADS) to Reduce Diabetes Distress: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often experience diabetes distress (DD), a construct distinct from depression or anxiety that refers to the negative emotions that arise from living with and managing diabetes. Self-compassion, which involves being open to one's own suffering and treating oneself with the same care one would show to loved ones, is associated with better psychological and clinical outcomes among individuals with T1D. Self-compassion is a skill that can be taught and therefore represents an opportunity for intervention. OBJECTIVE: The overall aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a web-based mindful self-compassion for teens (MSC-T) intervention on improving DD, anxiety, depression, diabetes-related disordered eating, and suicidal ideation experienced by youth with T1D (aged between 12 and 17 years) compared with a waitlist control group (standard of care). We will also explore (1) if the effect of the MSC-T intervention changes over time, (2) if the MSC-T intervention has a positive impact on measures of glycemic control, and (3) if the effect of the MSC-T intervention differs based on self-reported gender. METHODS: We will conduct a single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial of 140 adolescents with T1D followed for 12 months. Participants will be randomly allocated (using hidden allocation) in a 1:1 ratio to either the MSC-T intervention or the waitlist control group. Our primary outcome is DD, as measured by the Problem Areas in Diabetes-Teen (PAID-T) version at 3 months. Secondary outcomes, assessed at 3 and 12 months, include anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item [GAD-7] scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), diabetes-related disordered eating (Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised [DEPS-R] version), and suicidal ideation (using 1 question from the PHQ-9). RESULTS: Study recruitment began in October 2022 and was completed in March 2023, with a total of 141 participants enrolling. Data collection will be ongoing until March 2024. The first results are expected in June 2024. CONCLUSIONS: This study will be the first randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of the web-based MSC-T intervention on adolescents with T1D. Given that adolescence is a period where individuals are typically required to assume more responsibility for their diabetes care, providing adolescents with the tools they need to better manage the stress that often accompanies T1D management is paramount. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05463874; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05463874. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/53935.

Self-Compassion and Current Close Interpersonal Relationships: A Scoping Literature Review.

Objectives: In order to provide a broad overview of the body of peer-reviewed literature on self-compassion and close relationships, this scoping review describes how self-compassion relates to thoughts, feelings and behaviors within the context of current personal relationships between family members, romantic partners, friends, or others referred to as "close". Methods: Two reviewers independently screened peer-reviewed articles retrieved based on a defined search strategy within three online databases, extracted data from 72 articles that met inclusion criteria by consensus, and summarized findings thematically. Results: With few exceptions, self-compassion is positively associated with secure attachment, adaptive parenting behaviors, healthy family, romantic and friendship functioning, and constructive conflict and transgression repair behavior. In families, evidence suggests parent self-compassion is linked to supportive parenting behavior, which is in turn linked to higher levels of child self-compassion. Conclusions: Self-compassion is associated with a wide variety of close interpersonal relationship benefits. These associations may be complex and bidirectional, such that positive social relationships promote self-compassion, while self-compassion promotes relational and emotional well-being. For a deeper understanding of these nuances and to establish causality, future research should include heterogeneous samples, longitudinal designs, observational and multi-informant methodologies, and consider attachment style and personality trait covariates. The potential implications for interventional research are discussed.

Symptom centrality and infrequency of endorsement identify adolescent depression symptoms more strongly associated with life satisfaction.

Although depression symptoms are often treated as interchangeable, some symptoms may relate to adolescent life satisfaction more strongly than others. To assess this premise, we first conducted a network analysis on the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) in a large (N = 1,059), cross-sectional sample of community adolescents (age M = 14.72 ± 1.79). The most central symptoms of adolescent depression, as indexed by strength, were self-hatred, loneliness, sadness, and worthlessness while the least frequently endorsed symptoms were self-hatred, anhedonia, feeling like a bad person, and feeling unloved. Moreover, the more central a depression symptom was in the network (i.e., higher strength), the more variance it shared with life satisfaction (r = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.76). How frequently a symptom was endorsed was negatively associated with the variance symptoms shared with life satisfaction (r = -0.48, 95% CI: -0.63, -0.21). Cross-validated, prediction focused models found central symptoms were expected to predict more out of fold variance in life satisfaction than peripheral symptoms and frequently endorsed symptoms, but not the least frequently endorsed symptoms. These findings show certain depression symptoms may be more strongly associated with life satisfaction in adolescence and these symptoms can be identified by multiple symptom-level metrics. Limitations include use of cross-sectional data and utilizing a community sample. Better understanding which symptoms of depression share more variance with important outcomes like life satisfaction could help us develop a more fine-grained understanding of adolescent depression.

Self-compassion training for certified nurse assistants in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who work in nursing homes (NHs) face significant work and personal stress. Self-compassion training has been shown to decrease stress postintervention in previous studies among healthcare providers and those in helping professions. This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of self-compassion training to address CNA stress and well-being. DESIGN: Pre-post intervention. SETTING: Three mid-size, nonprofit NHs in North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty CNAs, with a mean age of 49, 96% of whom were female, and 83% black/African American. INTERVENTION: In one NH, participants received an 8-week, 2.5-h/session (20 h total) group intervention. At the time of recruitment for NHs 2 and 3, a briefer format (6-week, 1-h/session; 6 h total) became available and was preferred by CNAs, thus both NHs 2 and 3 participants received a 6-h group intervention. All interventions occurred in meeting rooms within participating NHs during shift changes. MEASUREMENTS: Intervention attendance, retention, and acceptability; self-compassion, stress, burnout, depression, and attitudes toward residents with dementia, and job satisfaction pre-, post-, 3-month post-, and 6-month postintervention were assessed. RESULTS: Attendance and program satisfaction were high, and attrition was low for both training formats. Self-compassion was significantly improved at all time periods (p < 0.001), and stress and depression improved significantly through 3 months (p < 0.05), but not 6 months. No statistically significant change in job satisfaction was noted. CONCLUSION: Self-compassion interventions are feasible and acceptable for CNAs working in NHs and show promise for managing stress and improving well-being and compassion toward residents. The briefer 6-h format may maximize participation, while still providing benefits.

Parent Self-Compassion and Supportive Responses to Child Difficult Emotion: An Intergenerational Theoretical Model Rooted in Attachment.

Self-compassion is an adaptive way of self-relating that entails tending to one's emotional pain with understanding and care. In this paper, we propose an intergenerational model explaining how self-compassion develops within the context of the parent-child relationship. Specifically, we posit that parents who have had supportive experiences with their own childhood caregivers develop a secure attachment and a high level of self-compassion. In turn, we propose that high self-compassion in parents promotes the parents' capacity to support their child when he or she experiences difficult emotions (e.g., anger, sadness). These responses promote the child's secure attachment, high self-compassion development and positive behavioral outcomes. A key area for future research is examining the potential link between parent self-compassion and responses to difficult emotions in the child. Given self-compassion can be enhanced through intervention, support for this model will have broad implications for interrupting intergenerational cycles of dysfunction caused by insecure attachment.

Is parents' education level associated with adolescent self-compassion?

Self-compassion has been identified as a trait that correlates with robust mental health; specifically, less anxiety, depression and stress in both adolescents and adults. However, little is known about the parental and family factors that are associated with adolescent self-compassion that may promote or enhance the development of this stress-buffering trait. In this study, 1057 adolescents in grades 7-12 from two different school settings answered questions in an online survey that related to their parents' education level and their own self-compassion. Results indicated that fathers' education, but not mothers', was associated with adolescent self-compassion. Specifically, adolescents whose fathers had a college education only had the highest level of self-compassion; a significant difference was found between self-compassion of adolescents of fathers' with a college degree and those with a doctorate/professional degree. Adolescents whose fathers had less than a college education (some college, high school graduate) or more than a college education (masters or doctorate/professional degree) reported lower self-compassion. As parent education level may be a proxy for other factors such as socioeconomic status, parenting style, or parent-adolescent relationship closeness, further research is necessary that will measure these factors and parse out that which specifically is associated with self-compassion in adolescents.

Protocol for a feasibility study: a brief self-compassion intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly eating disorders, compared with their healthy peers. In turn, this increases the risk for sub-optimal glycaemic control and life-threatening diabetes-related complications. Despite these increased risks, standard diabetes care does not routinely provide psychological support to help prevent or reduce mental health risks. There is an urgent need to develop 'clinically usable' psychosocial interventions that are acceptable to patients and can be realistically integrated into clinical care. This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief self-compassion intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating behaviour. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This feasibility study will examine the effectiveness of a brief self-compassion intervention, compared with a waitlist control group. Participants aged 12-16 years will be recruited from three diabetes outpatient clinics in Auckland, New Zealand. The brief self-compassion intervention is adapted from the standardised 'Making Friends with Yourself' intervention and will be delivered in a group format over two sessions. Apart from examining feasibility and acceptability through the flow of participants through the study and qualitative questions, we will assess changes to disordered eating behaviour (primary outcome), self-care behaviours, diabetes-related distress, self-compassion, stress and glycaemic control (secondary outcomes). Such data will be used to calculate the required sample size for a fully powered randomised controlled trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial has received ethics approval from the Health and Disability Ethics Committee (research project number A+8467). Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ANZCTR (12619000541101).

Self-Compassion: A Potential Path to Adolescent Resilience and Positive Exploration.

The adolescent developmental stage is characterized by multiple transitions, both physiological and environmental, and physical, cognitive and socioemotional growth that often leads to both challenges and opportunities. Developing coping strategies to contend with these challenges, such as strengthening resilience and being open to new experiences, can potentially facilitate traversing this developmental period with greater ease. Although previous research has supported the premise that self-compassion buffers the negative effects of these emotional challenges, little research to date has examined the link between strengths-based attributes such as resilience and curiosity/exploration (i.e., being open to and embracing new experiences) and self-compassion, and whether age or gender moderates these relationships. As such, the purpose of this study was to explore these relationships among a large adolescent sample. Results of 786 public school adolescents and 271 private school adolescents (68% white, 65% female, Mage=15.6) who responded to questions in an online survey indicated that self-compassion was positively associated with both curiosity/exploration and resilience, and gender moderated the relationship between self-compassion and resilience such that this association was stronger among males than females. Age did not moderate the relationship between self-compassion and either resilience or curiosity/exploration, indicating that self-compassion is associated with both resilience and curiosity/exploration at all ages across adolescence. Implications are that interventions that cultivate self-compassion among adolescents may strengthen resilience and curiosity/exploration, offering new and healthy ways to cope with these challenges leading to improved emotional well-being.