Effects of mindfulness meditation training offered in-person and via a virtual world on self-compassion: A study with U.S. military active duty and veterans.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of in-person and virtual mindfulness meditation training on self-compassion in active duty and veteran U.S. military personnel.
Results Summary
Both in-person and virtual mindfulness training significantly improved self-compassion (10% and 14%, respectively), while the control group showed no improvement. Participants with lower baseline self-compassion benefited more.
Population
Active duty and veteran U.S. military service members (n=250).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction delivered in-person | increase | Self Compassion | active duty and veteran U.S. military service members | 10% | improved | #1 |
mindfulness meditation training delivered via a Virtual World | increase | Self Compassion | active duty and veteran U.S. military service members | 14% | improved | #2 |
- | no change | Self Compassion | active duty and veteran U.S. military service members | - | did not improve | #3 |
Combined treatment groups | increase | self-compassion | active duty and veteran U.S. military service members | 10.3% | yielded a 10.3% improvement | #4 |
IP and VW Mindfulness Meditation training | increase | self-compassion | active duty and veteran U.S. military service members | - | were equally effective in increasing | #5 |
Adding effective on-line mindfulness delivery | increase | self-compassion | a more extensive audience | - | will promote | #6 |
Adding effective on-line mindfulness delivery | increase | coping, confidence, connectedness, cheerfulness, steadiness, and self-satisfaction | participants | - | likely yielding improved | #7 |
Adding effective on-line mindfulness delivery | decrease | anxiety, fear-of-failure, and stress | participants | - | likely yielding lessening | #8 |
BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based, in-person programs are effective at reducing stress and enhancing resilience in military and civilian samples, yet few studies have examined or compared training offered via real-time, interactive social media. Such a program would have a wider-reach and could include those unable to attend in-person. There is also interest in resolving ambiguity about the effects of mindfulness training on individual difference variables, such as self-compassion. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to compare pre/post self-compassion for three interventions; Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction delivered in-person (IP), mindfulness meditation training delivered via a Virtual World (VW), and a wait-list Control Group (CG) among active duty and veteran U.S. military. METHODS: A 2 (pre/post)×3 (group) factorial design was conducted with 250 active duty and veteran U.S. Military service members, with self-compassion measures as dependent variables. RESULTS: Self Compassion improved 10% for the IP group and 14% for the VW group, while the CG group did not improve. Combined treatment groups yielded a 10.3% improvement in self-compassion compared with no change in the CG and with a group×time interaction effect (p < 0.01). Participants with lower initial self-compassion experienced greater benefits than those with higher baseline self-compassion (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: IP and VW Mindfulness Meditation training were equally effective in increasing self-compassion. Adding effective on-line mindfulness delivery will promote self-compassion among a more extensive audience, likely yielding improved coping, confidence, connectedness, cheerfulness, steadiness, and self-satisfaction, while lessening anxiety, fear-of-failure, and stress among participants.