Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a compassion‐based cognitive behavioural intervention for low self‐esteem in sexual minority young adults

Abstract

Low self‐esteem can impair daily functioning and is a risk or maintenance factor for several mental health problems. Sexual minority young adults, for example, those identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual, on average have lower self‐esteem than their heterosexual peers. Compassion‐based interventions for low self‐esteem might be especially beneficial for sexual minority young adults, whose higher levels of shame and self‐criticism are likely to be contributing to maintenance of their low self‐esteem. This study explored the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a new compassion‐based cognitive behavioural intervention for low self‐esteem tailored to sexual minority young adults. Participants were a community sample of 24 sexual minority young adults aged 16–24 experiencing clinically significant low self‐esteem. An uncontrolled pre‐/post‐design was used with qualitative feedback and quantitative outcomes. Self‐report standardised measures were completed at baseline, pre‐intervention, intervention mid‐point, post‐intervention and 2‐month follow up. Preliminary efficacy was examined through post‐intervention changes in self‐esteem, functioning, anxiety and depression. Potential mechanisms of change were examined through changes in self‐compassion, self‐criticism and unhelpful coping responses to minority stress. Results showed good acceptability and feasibility and preliminary evidence of intervention efficacy for improving self‐esteem, functioning, depression and anxiety. There was evidence for improvement in self‐compassion and reduction in self‐criticism, and these constructs could be investigated in future studies as treatment mediators. Randomised controlled studies are needed to further examine efficacy of the intervention.