Evaluating the impact the Self‐Compassion App has on levels of compassion, psychological distress and well‐being

Beaumont, Elaine; Dagnall, Neil; Massey, Sue; Irons, Chris

Abstract

Introduction: The Self-Compassion App is the first commercially available, smartphone app based upon the ideas and practices of Compassion Focused Therapy. Through 28 sessions, the app supports individuals to develop compassionate minds and in doing so, promote well-being and reduce psychological distress (e.g., self-criticism, shame). Aim: This study evaluated the impact the app had on participant’s levels of compassion, well-being, self-criticism and psychological distress. Methodology: Fifty-two participants - consisting of staff and students at The University of Salford took part in this study. Pre, post and follow-up measures were collected to explore changes in levels of compassion, self-criticism, emotion regulation, well-being and psychological distress. Findings: Statistically significant increases were observed in levels of self-compassion, self-reassurance, emotion regulation skills and well-being. Significant reductions were found in self-criticism, anxiety and stress, and post study, participants became more open to receiving compassion from others. Implications: Results from this study were promising and suggest that using The Self-Compassion App reduces psychological distress and enhances psychological well-being. Considering interventions that utilise technology with the aim of boosting well-being, levels of compassion and reducing self-criticism is potentially important given the difficulties that many students and educators experience, and the current wait-list times for psychological help and support. Further research: A randomised control trial and longitudinal study would be beneficial to explore the long-term benefits of using the app. Further studies, in clinical and non-clinical populations will clarify how the app might benefit people and what type of engagement is necessary to derive change.
Keywords: compassion focused therapy, compassionate mind training, mobile technology, psychotherapy and counselling approaches, self-help app, well-being, mental health

App Link https://www.selfcompassion.me/

Citation

Beaumont, E., Dagnall, N., Massey, S., & Irons, C. (2024). Evaluating the impact the Self‐Compassion App has on levels of compassion, psychological distress and well‐being. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12841

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 28, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Oct 16, 2024
• Publication Date: Oct 16, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 14, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 15, 2024
• Journal: Counselling and Psychotherapy Research
• Print ISSN: 1473-3145
• Electronic ISSN: 1746-1405
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12841
• Keywords: compassion focused therapy, compassionate mind training, mobile technology, psychotherapy and counselling approaches, self-help app, well-being, mental health