Web-based intervention using self-compassionate writing to induce positive mood in family caregivers of older adults: quantitative study

Wiita, F., Ho, A. K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2581-126X and Weinstein, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2200-6617 (2024) Web-based intervention using self-compassionate writing to induce positive mood in family caregivers of older adults: quantitative study. JMIR Formative Research, 8. e52883. ISSN 2561-326X doi: 10.2196/52883

Abstract/Summary

Background: Caregiver burden can impact the mental health of family caregivers, but self-compassion may help reduce this impact. Brief self-compassion interventions have been shown to be useful but have not been tested in family caregivers of older adults. Objective: This study aimed to test the effects of a brief self-compassion intervention and its components (self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) on mental well-being and mood when reflecting on difficult family caregiving experiences. Methods: British caregivers were recruited through a web-based panel. Three experimental studies manipulated the self-compassion intervention. In study 1 (n=206) and study 2 (n=224), participants wrote about a difficult caregiving experience while focusing on 1 self-compassion component (self-kindness, common humanity, or mindfulness). In study 3 (n=222) participants focused on all components. Self-compassion, serenity, guilt, and sadness were measured. Results: In studies 1 and 2, condition effects showed mindfulness unexpectedly lowered mood. Inconsistent and modest benefits to affect were achieved by engagement in self-kindness and common humanity in study 1 (guilt [lowered]: P=.02 and sadness [lowered]: P=.04; serenity [nonsignificantly raised]: P=.20) and also in study 2 (sadness [nonsignificantly lowered]: P=.23 and guilt [nonsignificantly lowered]: P=.26; serenity [raised]: P=.33); significant benefits for self-compassion and mood were found in study 3 (serenity [raised]: P=.01, kindness [raised]: P=.003, and common humanity [raised]: P≤.001; guilt [lowered]: P<.001 and sadness [lowered]: P≤.001). More intensive efforts should be made to promote self-compassion in caregivers of older adults, with caution advised when relying primarily on mindfulness approaches. Conclusions: Self-compassionate writing may be beneficial for family caregivers, but more intensive interventions are needed. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and content for achieving the greatest effects.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/118617
Identification Number/DOI	10.2196/52883
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Publisher	JMIR Publications
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