Exploring the efficacy of both compassionate writing and imagery in the management of post event processing within social anxiety

Abstract

A systematic literature review explored the effect of compassion-based interventions on the transdiagnostic process of repetitive negative thinking. 18 interventional studies were narratively synthesised, with results offering preliminary support for the positive impact of increasing self-compassion on reducing repetitive negative thinking. However, variations in efficacy were indicated across interventional formats and disorder specific domains of repetitive thinking, which require further investigation. Areas for methodological refinement and future research are proposed in order to further elucidate the mechanisms in which compassion-based interventions may operate upon repetitive thinking within psychological disorders.
An empirical study compared the efficacy of two compassion-based exercises on
post event processing, a form of repetitive negative thinking evidenced to maintain social anxiety. A socially anxious analogue sample (N = 81) completed an impromptu speech and were randomly assigned to a compassionate imagery, compassionate writing, or reflective control condition. Baseline measures of self-compassion, post event processing, affect, willingness to communicate, performance appraisal and self-esteem were completed, and repeated immediately following the experimental manipulation or at 24-hour follow up. Compared to a control group, the compassionate imagery condition experienced significant improvements in post event processing, affect, self-compassion, performance perception and state self-esteem. The compassionate writing condition showed similar benefits, aside from reductions in post event processing, which were found to be non-significant. Additionally, the compassionate imagery condition reported significant improvements in negative affect when compared to the compassionate writing condition. Findings support preliminary evidence of the utility of implementing brief compassion-based interventions following situations of ambiguous, social threat.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Jonathan Michael Richards: orcid.org/0000-0002-3394-6391

Catalogue record

Export record