Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Psychology

Supervisor

Bodell, Lindsay P.

Abstract

Interventions that target thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) may reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviours (Joiner, 2005). Self-compassion describes being open and kind towards oneself (Neff, 2003a) and is negatively associated with TB, PB, and suicidality. The current research examined the impact of a brief, virtual, self-compassion intervention on TB and PB in a young adult sample. Study 1 included an open trial to examine initial effectiveness and acceptability of the intervention. Self-compassion significantly increased over time; however, there were no changes in TB or PB. Study 2 included a randomized controlled trial comparing two control conditions to the intervention condition. Self-compassion significantly increased, and TB significantly decreased over time across all conditions. Contrary to hypotheses, the self-compassion intervention did not impact the outcome variables any more than the control condition. Despite limited significant findings, the current study contributes to a growing literature on brief, accessible interventions.

Summary for Lay Audience

Suicide is a global health concern and exploring potential interventions for suicidal thoughts and behaviours is crucial to preventing death by suicide (Statistics Canada, 2017). The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposes that desire for suicide arises when an individual experiences perceived burdensomeness (PB; feelings of being a burden) and thwarted belongingness (TB; feelings of not belonging; Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010). Targeting PB and TB in an intervention may be an effective way to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Relatedly, self-compassion is a construct that describes being open and kind to oneself and is negatively associated with TB, PB, and suicidality (Cleare et al., 2019; Fang, 2020; Neff, 2003a). The current research examined the impact of a brief, virtual, self-compassion intervention on TB and PB in a young adult sample. Study 1 included a pilot study to assess initial effectiveness and acceptability. Self-compassion significantly increased over time; however, there were no changes in TB or PB. Participant feedback indicated that the intervention was well-received. Study 2 compared two control conditions to the intervention condition. Self-compassion significantly increased, and TB significantly decreased over time; however, these changes were not specific to any one condition. This indicates that while the intervention increased self-compassion, these effects were not over and above that of the control conditions. The current study contributes to a growing literature on brief, accessible interventions.

Download

Share

COinS