A Wait‐List Randomized Controlled Trial of Loving‐Kindness Meditation Programme for Self‐Criticism
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy March 16, 2014 Ben Shahar, Ohad Szepsenwol, Sigal Zilcha‐mano et al. 137 citations
Self-criticism is a risk factor for psychological disorders and predicts poor treatment response. A loving-kindness meditation (LKM) program designed to increase self-compassion was tested in 38 highly self-critical individuals randomly assigned to LKM or a wait-list. Compared with the wait-list, LKM led to significant reductions in self-criticism and depressive symptoms and significant increases in self-compassion and positive emotions. Gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. These preliminary results suggest that LKM may help self-critical individuals become less self-critical and more self-compassionate, and may reduce depressive symptoms and increase positive emotions.