Comparing In-Person and Video-Conference Mindful Self-Compassion Training for Adults With Anxiety or Depression

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare the effects of an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion training delivered either in-person or via video conference on anxiety and depression symptoms. It focuses on adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or depressive disorders including major depressive disorder and dysthymia. The study addresses the challenges of accessing traditional psychiatric care and explores mindfulness meditation as a potentially more acceptable and feasible approach to improve self-compassion and reduce self-criticism in these conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to attend weekly 2-hour Mindful Self-Compassion classes over eight weeks, either in a group setting in-person or through a video-conference platform. Both delivery methods involve the same course teaching mindfulness meditation skills aimed at cultivating self-compassion. This study compares these two delivery approaches to assess their impact on anxiety and depression symptoms. During the study, participants will be evaluated using various scales measuring self-critical rumination, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, worry, social anxiety, self-compassion, fear of compassion, guilt, and shame. These assessments occur over the 8-week period of the intervention. Researchers will monitor adherence to the classes and the effects on symptom severity, with the study sponsored by Georgetown University and planned to run until August 2027.

Mindful Self-compassion for Anxiety and Depression: Impact of Delivery Method