An Open Trial of a Brief, Self-Compassion Intervention Targeting Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness

Abstract

Objective

Suicide is a global health concern and developing brief and accessible interventions that can reduce suicide risk is crucial. Thwarted belongingness (TB; i.e., feeling like one doesn’t belong) and perceived burdensomeness (PB; i.e., feeling like one is a burden on others) are associated with suicidality, and changes in these constructs predict changes in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Self-compassion is a multifaceted construct that involves being open and kind to oneself and can be taught through brief writing tasks. Low self-compassion has been associated with TB, PB, and suicidal ideation, suggesting that enhancing self-compassion may decrease suicide risk. Thus, we conducted an open trial of a brief, online self-compassion intervention targeting TB and PB.

Method

Undergraduate students (N = 132) viewed an educational video on self-compassion and completed self-compassion writing tasks over the course of one week.

Results

Reactions to the intervention were positive, and participants reported significantly higher self-compassion scores following the intervention. However, TB and PB scores did not change from the baseline to the post-intervention assessment.

Conclusions

This open trial demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a fully online, brief self-compassion intervention, but its impact on reducing suicide risk should be assessed further using a randomized controlled design.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Self-compassion may be useful for targeting thwarted interpersonal needs.

• A brief, online, self-compassion intervention is feasible and acceptable.

• Further research is needed on the impact of self-compassion on suicide risk.

Keywords:

• Interpersonal needs
• intervention
• perceived burdensomeness
• self-compassion
• thwarted belongingness

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank Shelby Ochshorn for her help developing the self-compassion video that was used in this project, as well as all the individuals who participated in this study.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Genevieve Bianchini

Genevieve Bianchini and Lindsay Bodell, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada

Lindsay P. Bodell

Genevieve Bianchini and Lindsay Bodell, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada