Can Longer Mindfulness Sessions Boost Your Self-Compassion?

A study conducted by the psychologists of South Dakota University tried to ponder upon the relations among compliance to schedule, practice time of meditation, self-compassion, and psychiatric symptoms after two 2-week mindfulness meditation interventions.

Study Findings: Meditation Duration, Self-Compassion, and Its Impact

The results of the study indicated the existence of no significant group difference in that of the total days meditated or overall time spent by the participants in meditating. During the course of the 2 weeks, both groups showed a clear reduction in stress and an increase in mindfulness. It was seen that participants who were part of the 20-min group reported larger increments in self-compassion than those in the 10-min group.

The Evolution of Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Self-Compassion

Over the past two decades, the “third wave” of therapy has evolved and found its place in the world of modern therapy, which has resulted in an expansion of the traditional model of behavioral therapy. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective and important for a variety of mental as well as physical health problems.

Mindfulness Meditation: A Primary Therapeutic Strategy

Mindfulness meditation can be understood as the primary therapeutic strategy employed within MBIs and is set with the expectation to increase mindfulness and, thereon, result in positive outcomes.

Study Overview: Participants and Methodology

Psychologists at South Dakota University studied the relationships between meditation practice, schedule compliance, and psychiatric symptoms over two weeks. There was one group that prescribed 10-min daily meditations, and there was another group that prescribed 20-min daily meditations.

The number of participants in the study was 77 in total, which included 56 females. The mean age was 20.16, and researchers considered other demographic variables. Participants completed daily diaries to assess their adherence.

Conclusion: Insights on Meditation Duration

As per the study, there was no significant group difference in the number of days or time that participants meditated. Throughout the course of 2 weeks, it was clear that stress levels decreased and mindfulness levels increased for both groups. Despite similar adherence, participants in the 20-min group showed greater increases in self-compassion than those in the 10-min group.