A model for cognitively-based compassion training: theoretical underpinnings and proposed mechanisms

Ash, Marcia J.; Harrison, Timothy; Pinto, Melissa D.; DiClemente, Ralph J.; Negi, Lobsang Tenzin

doi:10.1057/s41285-019-00124-x

Cited by 45 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 90 publications

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“…These constitute two distinct types of learning: skill development and adaptation on the one hand and belief revision on the other ( Ohlsson, 1996 ). Learning processes, both deliberate and effortful or implicit and automatic, represent a key domain of individual variation in contemplative training and are highly pertinent to the context of compassion meditation interventions in which instructors convey skills and encourage repeated exercises for the trainee to master ( Ozawa-de Silva and Negi, 2013 ; Ash et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning Compassion and Meditation: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Experience of Novice Meditators

et al. 2022

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Over the last decade, numerous interventions and techniques that aim to engender, strengthen, and expand compassion have been created, proliferating an evidence base for the benefits of compassion meditation training. However, to date, little research has been conducted to examine individual variation in the learning, beliefs, practices, and subjective experiences of compassion meditation. This mixed-method study examines changes in novice meditators’ knowledge and contemplative experiences before, during, and after taking an intensive course in CBCT® (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training), a contemplative intervention that is increasingly used for both inter- and intrapersonal flourishing. The participants in this study (n = 40) were Christian healthcare chaplains completing a 1-year residency in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) who learned CBCT as part of their professional chaplaincy training curriculum. Prior to and upon completion of training, we surveyed participants to assess their beliefs about the malleability of compassion, types of engagement in compassion meditation, and perceptions of the impact of taking CBCT. We also conducted in-depth interviews with a subset of participants to gain a qualitative understanding of their subjective experiences of learning and practicing compassion meditation, a key component of CBCT. We found that participants reported increases in the extent to which they believed compassion to be malleable after studying CBCT. We also found high levels of variability of individual ways of practicing and considered the implications of this for the study of contemplative learning processes. This multi-methodological approach yielded novel insights into how compassion practice and compassion-related outcomes interrelate, insights that can inform the basic scientific understanding of the experience of learning and enacting compassion meditation as a means of strengthening compassion itself.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning Compassion and Meditation: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Experience of Novice Meditators

et al. 2022

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“…Exploring psychological safety within dyadic relationships and mapping these using social network methods will allow for an improved understanding of how individual level factors can be considered with relationships and social structures that shape outcomes (Holman and Borgstrom, 2016;Roussin et al, 2016). Future research should consider the impact of social networks, systemic factors and cultural contexts and their impact on psychological safety within therapeutic contexts (Ash et al, 2021). The NPSS as a new and novel measure of psychological safety which integrates psychological, relational and physiological components of safety and has applicability across a range of health and social care contexts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new measure of feeling safe: Developing psychometric properties of the neuroception of psychological safety scale (NPSS)

Morton¹,

Cogan²,

Kołacz³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Objective: Psychological safety is increasingly recognised as central to mental health, wellbeing and post-traumatic growth. To date, there is no psychometrically supported measure of psychological safety combining psychological, physiological and social components. The current research aimed to develop and establish the neuroception of psychological safety scale (NPSS), informed by Polyvagal Theory. Method: The study comprised of three stages: (1) item generation, (2) item reduction, and (3) assessment of factor structure and internal consistency. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted from two samples who completed a survey online (exploratory n = 342, confirmatory n = 455). Results: Initially, 107 items were generated. Item reduction and exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 29-item NPSS with subscales of compassion, social engagement and body sensations. The NPSS was found to have a consistent factor structure and internal consistency. Conclusion: The NPSS is a novel measure of psychological safety which can be used across a range of health and social care settings. This research provides a platform for further work to support and enhance understandings of the science of safety through the measurement of psychological, relational and physiological components of safety. The NPSS will help shape new approaches to evaluating trauma treatments, relational issues and mental health concerns. Research to establish the convergent, discriminant and concurrent validity of the NPSS and to explore its use with diverse community and clinical populations is underway.

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“…A mindfulness teacher who was certified by the Oxford Mindfulness Centre (DM-R) with 8 years of experience teaching mindfulness and compassion groups designed the adaptation and taught the groups. The instructor also had foundational training in Compassion-Focused Therapy [ 28 ], Cognitive-Based Compassion Training [ 29 , 30 ], and Mindful Self-Compassion [ 31 ]. Overall, the two main new features of this adaptation are the smaller number of sessions (six sessions in total), and the incorporation of more explicit compassion training.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Mechanisms of a Brief Mindfulness- and Compassion-Based Program to Reduce Stress in University Students: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Martínez-Rubio

Navarrete

Montero-Marín

2021

IJERPH

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The mental health of university students is a public health concern, as psychopathology has significantly risen among this population. Mindfulness-based programs may support their mental health, though more research is needed. We used a two-armed pilot randomized controlled trial to study the feasibility, preliminary effectiveness, and potential mechanisms of a brief 6-week instructor-led mindfulness- and compassion-based program (MCBP for University Life) on perceived stress and psychological distress. Thirty undergraduate psychology students participated (15 in the intervention group, and 15 as wait-list controls). Those in the intervention arm engaged well with the course and formal at-home practice, attending at least five sessions and meditating between 4–6 days per week. Significant improvements in perceived stress, psychological distress, mindfulness skills, decentering, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance were found at the end of the intervention, while the wait-list group remained unchanged. There were significant differences between the two groups in those variables at post-test, favoring the intervention arm with major effects. Reductions in stress were mediated by improvements in mindfulness skills, decentering, and self-compassion; meanwhile reductions in psychological distress were mediated by improvements in decentering. These results suggest that this intervention might be feasible and effective for university students, but more high-quality research is needed.

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A model for cognitively-based compassion training: theoretical underpinnings and proposed mechanisms

Cited by 45 publications

References 90 publications

Learning Compassion and Meditation: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Experience of Novice Meditators

Learning Compassion and Meditation: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Experience of Novice Meditators

A new measure of feeling safe: Developing psychometric properties of the neuroception of psychological safety scale (NPSS)

Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Mechanisms of a Brief Mindfulness- and Compassion-Based Program to Reduce Stress in University Students: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

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