Self-Compassion Therapy as a Transformative Intervention for Adolescent Girls’ Body Image

Abstract

Background: Adolescent girls often struggle with negative body image, leading to rumination and distress. The objective of this investigation was to examine the potential of self-compassion therapy (SCT) to mitigate rumination and bolster distress tolerance in adolescent girls experiencing body image concerns.Methods: This experimental study comprised all adolescent girls in Ahvaz, Iran, who reported body image concerns in 2023. A sample of 30 adolescent girls was drawn using multi-stage cluster sampling and then randomly allocated to either an experimental (n=15) or a control (n=15) group. Data collection was facilitated using the Ruminative Response Scale and Distress Tolerance Scale. The experimental group participated in a ten-week structured self-compassion training (SCT) program, with one 60-minute session per week. The control group received no intervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to assess the impact of SCT on the dependent variables, using SPSS version 25.Results: At pre-test, both groups reported similar levels of rumination (SCT group: M=64.53, SD=7.59; control group: M=68.26, SD=9.46) and distress tolerance (SCT group: M=31.06, SD=6.86; control group: M=32.06, SD=5.23). After the 10-week SCT intervention, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in rumination (M=36.26, SD=5.57) and a significant increase in distress tolerance (M=66.60, SD=5.02) compared with the control group (P<0.001). SCT was found to be effective in significantly reducing rumination and increasing distress tolerance in adolescent girls with body image concerns (P<0.001).Conclusion: SCT has demonstrated its efficacy in mitigating rumination and enhancing distress tolerance among adolescent girls confronting body image challenges. The study findings underscored the potential of SCT as a promising intervention for this vulnerable population.