The Effectiveness of Compassion-Based Mindfulness Training on Social Isolation, Sense of Coherence, and Body Esteem in Overweight Girls

Seyyedeh Zahra  Mousavi Zavardehi; Shahrbanoo  Dehrouyeh; Farhad Mashayekh  Bakhshi

doi:10.18502/ijdl.v25i6.20857

Seyyedeh Zahra Mousavi Zavardehi Department of Psychology, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
Shahrbanoo Dehrouyeh Department of Psychology, Adib Mazandaran Institute of higher education, Sari, Iran
Farhad Mashayekh Bakhshi Department of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdl.v25i6.20857

Keywords: Compassion-based mindfulness training, Social isolation, Sense of coherence, Body esteem, Overweight girls

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Mindfulness Training on social isolation, sense of coherence, and body appreciation in overweight girls.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test/post-test control group. The statistical population consisted of overweight girls aged 14 to 18 in the city of Sari during the 2024-2025 academic year. A sample of 32 participants was selected via purposive sampling and then randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received Compassion-Focused Mindfulness Training, delivered in eight structured sessions, while the control group received no intervention. The Compassion-Focused Mindfulness protocol was developed and administered based on the therapeutic framework proposed by Sadeghi et al. (2021), the instruments used in this study included: the Body Appreciation Questionnaire by Mendelson et al. (2001), the Sense of Coherence Scale by Antonovsky (1987), the Social Isolation Questionnaire by Madrasi Yazdi et al. (2017), the collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA & MANCOVA) were performed using SPSS software, version 26.

Results: The results indicated that Compassion-Focused Mindfulness Training had a significant effect on self-worth, sense of coherence, and social isolation in overweight girls. Specifically, this training led to a reduction in social isolation and an improvement in self-worth and sense of coherence among the participants. (Wilks' Lambda = 0.151, F = 11.787, P< 0.001).

Conclusion: Compassion-Focused Mindfulness Training, by emphasizing the non-judgmental acceptance of experiences and fostering a meaning-centered approach, can play a vital role in enhancing psychological well-being, regulating emotions, and improving social interactions. Therefore, incorporating this effective intervention for vulnerable groups, particularly overweight girls, is crucial for designing supportive and therapeutic strategies and can significantly contribute to improving their quality of life