Effectiveness of attachment-focused self-compassion intervention on stress coping strategies with stress in adolescents in Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Tayebe Delshad, M.A student of rehabilitation counseling, Islamic Azad University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Master of General Psychology, Tabriz Pardis University, Iran

3 Master of student in rehabilitation counseling, Islamic Azad University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Maryam Moein, Master of Clinical Psychology Department of Medical Sciences, College of Clinical Psychology, Khomein Branc, Islamic Azad University, Khomein, Iran

Abstract
: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of the self-compassion-attachment intervention based on strategies to cope with stress in adolescents in Tehran. The current research was of a quasi-experimental type. The statistical population of the research was formed by the teenagers of Tehran in 1402. The sample size was equal to 30 people who were randomly divided into two experimental (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. The pre-test stage was implemented, then the training of self-compassion therapy based on attachment (Garcia-Campaio et al., 2016) was given to the experimental group, and then, a post-test was taken from both groups. Data were collected using Endler and Parker's (1990) coping strategies and analyzed by SPSS-26 software using covariance analysis. The results of the research showed that the strategy of dealing with avoidant and emotional stress in the post-test stage was significantly reduced in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.01). Also, the results showed that the experimental group's problem-oriented stress-coping strategy in the post-test stage had a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.01). Therefore, self-compassion-oriented intervention is effective in reducing ineffective methods of coping with stress and promoting effective methods of coping with stress among teenagers.

Keywords


 
1.   Bugay-Sökmez, A., Manuoğlu, E., Coşkun, M., & Sümer, N. (2023). Predictors of rumination and co-rumination: the role of attachment dimensions, self-compassion and self-esteem. Current Psychology, 42(6), 4400-4411.
2.   Carson Sackett, S., Alicea, S., & Winter, A. (2024). Enhancing athletes’ self-compassion and psychological well-being through imagery. Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 19(1), 20230026.
3.   Collado‐Navarro, C., Navarro‐Gil, M., Pérez‐Aranda, A., López‐del‐Hoyo, Y., Garcia‐Campayo, J., & Montero‐Marin, J. (2021). Effectiveness of mindfulness‐based stress reduction and attachment‐based compassion therapy for the treatment of depressive, anxious, and adjustment disorders in mental health settings: A randomized controlled trial. Depression and Anxiety, 38(11), 1138-1151.
4.   Compas BE. (1987). Coping with stress during childhood and adolescence. Psychol Bull, 101(3), 393–40.
5.   Compas, B. E., & Boyer, M. C. (2001). Coping and attention: Implications for child health and pediatric conditions. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 22(5), 323–333. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004703-200110000-00007
6.   Compas, B. E., Jaser, S. S., Bettis, A. H., Watson, K. H., Gruhn, M. A., Dunbar, J. P., Williams, E., & Thigpen, J. C. (2017). Coping, emotion regulation, and psychopathology in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analysis and narrative review. Psychological Bulletin, 143(9), 939–991. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000110
7.   Endler, N. S., & Parker, J. D. A. (1990). Multidimensional assessment of coping: A critical evaluation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58, 844–854.
8.   Ewert, C., Vater, A., & Schröder-Abé, M. (2021). Self-compassion and coping: a meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 12, 1063-1077.
9.   Fearon, R. M. P., & Roisman, G. I. (2017). Attachment theory: progress and future directions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 15, 131–136.
10.Feldman, C., & Kuyken, W. (2011). Compassion in the landscape of suffering. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/14639947.2011.564831
11.Fredrickson, B. L., & Losada, M. F. (2005). Positive affect and thecomplex dynamics of human flourishing. American Psychologist, 60(7), 678–686. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.60.7.678.
12.Frydenberg, E. (1997). Adolescent coping: Theoretical and research perspectives. Psychology Press.
13.García-Campayo, J., Campos, D., Herrera-Mercadal, P., Navarro-Gil, M., Ziemer, K., Palma, B., ... & Aristegui, R. (2023). The Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy: A Manual for Self-Application. Springer.
14.García-Campayo, J., Navarro-Gil, M., & Demarzo, M. (2016). Attachment-based compassion therapy. Mindfulness & Compassion, 1(2), 68-74.
15.Gilbert, P. (2015). The Compassionate Mind (Compassion Focused Therapy). Desclée de Brouwer. https://www.amazon.es/Compassionate-Mind-Compassion-Focused-Therapy/dp/1849010986
16.Gilbert, P. (2015). The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53, 6-41.
17.Hinojosa AS, McCauley KD, Randolph-Seng B, Gardner WL. (2014). Leader and follower attachment styles: Implications for authentic leader–follower relationships. Leadersh Q, 25(3), 595-610.
18.Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer.
19.Li, W., Guo, Y., Lai, W., Wang, W., Li, X., Zhu, L., ... & Lu, C. (2023). Reciprocal relationships between self-esteem, coping styles and anxiety symptoms among adolescents: between-person and within-person effects. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 17(1), 21.
20.Longe, O., Maratos, F. A., Gilbert, P., Evans, G., Volker, F., Rockliff, H., & Rippon, G. (2010). Having a word with yourself: Neural correlates of self-criticism and self-reassurance. NeuroImage, 49(2), 1849– 1856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.09.019
21.Lutz, J., Berry, M. P., Napadow, V., Germer, C., Pollak, S., Gardiner, P., Edwards, R. R., Desbordes, G., & Schuman-Olivier, Z. (2020). Neural activations during self-related processing in patients with chronic pain and effects of a brief self-compassion training—A pilot study. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 304, 111155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2020.111155
22.Mackintosh K, Power K, Schwannauer M, Chan SW. (2018). The relationships between self-compassion, attachment and interpersonal problems in clinical patients with mixed anxiety and depression and emotional distress. Mindfulness (N Y), 9(3), 961-971
23.Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Montero-Marin, J., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., & Garcia-Campayo, J. (2020). Effects of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) on Self-compassion and Attachment Style in Healthy People. Mindfulness, 11(1), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-0896-1
24.Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Montero-Marin, J., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Garcia-Campayo, J. (2020). Effects of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) on Self-compassion and Attachment Style in Healthy People. Mindfulness, 11, 51–62.
25.Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2, 85-101. Doi: 10.1080/15298860390129863.
26.Neff, K. D., & Costigan, A.p. (2014). Self-compassion, wellbeing, and happiness. Retrived from www.self-compassion, org. Feb 22, 2016.
27.Nieto, M., Romero, D., Ros, L., Zabala, C., Martínez, M., Ricarte, J. J., Serrano, J. P., & Latorre, J. M. (2020). Differences in coping strategies between young and older adults: The role of executive functions. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 90(1), 28–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415018822040
28.Novak CJ, Chang EC, Xu J, Shen J, Zheng S, Wang Y. (2021). Basic psychological needs and negative affective conditions in Chinese adolescents: does coping still matter? Personal Individ Differ, 179, 110889.
29.Santos, A., Crespo, I., Pérez-Aranda, A., Beltrán-Ruiz, M.; Puebla-Guedea, M., García Campayo, J. (2022). Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy for Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Fibromyalgia. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 19, 8152. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138152
30.Tran, M. A. Q., Khoury, B., Chau, N. N. T., Van Pham, M., Dang, A. T. N., Ngo, T. V., ... & Le Dao, A. K. (2024). The role of self-compassion on psychological well-being and life satisfaction of Vietnamese undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Hope as a mediator. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 42(1), 35-53.
31.Vucenovic, D., Sipek, G., & Jelic, K. (2023). The role of emotional skills (competence) and coping strategies in adolescent depression. European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education, 13(3), 540-552.
32.Wakelin, K. E., Perman, G., & Simonds, L. M. (2022). Effectiveness of self‐compassion‐related interventions for reducing self‐criticism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(1), 1-25.
33.Warren, R., Smeets, E., & Neff, K. (2016). Self-criticism and self-compassion: Risk and resilience: Being compassionate to oneself is associated with emotional resilience and psychological well-being. Current Psychiatry, 15(12), 18–28.
34.Watson, G. L. (2024). Investigating the Influence of Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion on Adult Life Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Study. Acta Psychologia, 3(1), 31-39.
35.Wu, L. M., Chin, C. C., Chen, C. H., Lai, F. C., & Tseng, Y. Y. (2011). Development and validation of the paediatric cancer coping scale. Journal of Advance Nursing, 67(5), 1142–1151. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05567.x
36.Wu, L. M., Chiou, S. S., Sheen, J. M., Lin, P. C., Liao, Y. M., Chen, H. M., & Hsiao, C. C. (2014). Evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of a psycho-educational intervention for coping and symptom management by children with cancer: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Advance Nursing, 70(7), 1653–1662. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12328
37.Xavier, A., Pinto-Gouveia, J., & Cunha, M. (2016). The protective role of self-compassion on risk factors for non-suicidal self-injury in adolescence. School Mental Health, 8, 476–485.
 
1.   Bugay-Sökmez, A., Manuoğlu, E., Coşkun, M., & Sümer, N. (2023). Predictors of rumination and co-rumination: the role of attachment dimensions, self-compassion and self-esteem. Current Psychology, 42(6), 4400-4411.
2.   Carson Sackett, S., Alicea, S., & Winter, A. (2024). Enhancing athletes’ self-compassion and psychological well-being through imagery. Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 19(1), 20230026.
3.   Collado‐Navarro, C., Navarro‐Gil, M., Pérez‐Aranda, A., López‐del‐Hoyo, Y., Garcia‐Campayo, J., & Montero‐Marin, J. (2021). Effectiveness of mindfulness‐based stress reduction and attachment‐based compassion therapy for the treatment of depressive, anxious, and adjustment disorders in mental health settings: A randomized controlled trial. Depression and Anxiety, 38(11), 1138-1151.
4.   Compas BE. (1987). Coping with stress during childhood and adolescence. Psychol Bull, 101(3), 393–40.
5.   Compas, B. E., & Boyer, M. C. (2001). Coping and attention: Implications for child health and pediatric conditions. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 22(5), 323–333. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004703-200110000-00007
6.   Compas, B. E., Jaser, S. S., Bettis, A. H., Watson, K. H., Gruhn, M. A., Dunbar, J. P., Williams, E., & Thigpen, J. C. (2017). Coping, emotion regulation, and psychopathology in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analysis and narrative review. Psychological Bulletin, 143(9), 939–991. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000110
7.   Endler, N. S., & Parker, J. D. A. (1990). Multidimensional assessment of coping: A critical evaluation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58, 844–854.
8.   Ewert, C., Vater, A., & Schröder-Abé, M. (2021). Self-compassion and coping: a meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 12, 1063-1077.
9.   Fearon, R. M. P., & Roisman, G. I. (2017). Attachment theory: progress and future directions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 15, 131–136.
10.Feldman, C., & Kuyken, W. (2011). Compassion in the landscape of suffering. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/14639947.2011.564831
11.Fredrickson, B. L., & Losada, M. F. (2005). Positive affect and thecomplex dynamics of human flourishing. American Psychologist, 60(7), 678–686. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.60.7.678.
12.Frydenberg, E. (1997). Adolescent coping: Theoretical and research perspectives. Psychology Press.
13.García-Campayo, J., Campos, D., Herrera-Mercadal, P., Navarro-Gil, M., Ziemer, K., Palma, B., ... & Aristegui, R. (2023). The Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy: A Manual for Self-Application. Springer.
14.García-Campayo, J., Navarro-Gil, M., & Demarzo, M. (2016). Attachment-based compassion therapy. Mindfulness & Compassion, 1(2), 68-74.
15.Gilbert, P. (2015). The Compassionate Mind (Compassion Focused Therapy). Desclée de Brouwer. https://www.amazon.es/Compassionate-Mind-Compassion-Focused-Therapy/dp/1849010986
16.Gilbert, P. (2015). The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53, 6-41.
17.Hinojosa AS, McCauley KD, Randolph-Seng B, Gardner WL. (2014). Leader and follower attachment styles: Implications for authentic leader–follower relationships. Leadersh Q, 25(3), 595-610.
18.Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer.
19.Li, W., Guo, Y., Lai, W., Wang, W., Li, X., Zhu, L., ... & Lu, C. (2023). Reciprocal relationships between self-esteem, coping styles and anxiety symptoms among adolescents: between-person and within-person effects. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 17(1), 21.
20.Longe, O., Maratos, F. A., Gilbert, P., Evans, G., Volker, F., Rockliff, H., & Rippon, G. (2010). Having a word with yourself: Neural correlates of self-criticism and self-reassurance. NeuroImage, 49(2), 1849– 1856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.09.019
21.Lutz, J., Berry, M. P., Napadow, V., Germer, C., Pollak, S., Gardiner, P., Edwards, R. R., Desbordes, G., & Schuman-Olivier, Z. (2020). Neural activations during self-related processing in patients with chronic pain and effects of a brief self-compassion training—A pilot study. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 304, 111155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2020.111155
22.Mackintosh K, Power K, Schwannauer M, Chan SW. (2018). The relationships between self-compassion, attachment and interpersonal problems in clinical patients with mixed anxiety and depression and emotional distress. Mindfulness (N Y), 9(3), 961-971
23.Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Montero-Marin, J., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., & Garcia-Campayo, J. (2020). Effects of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) on Self-compassion and Attachment Style in Healthy People. Mindfulness, 11(1), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-0896-1
24.Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Montero-Marin, J., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Garcia-Campayo, J. (2020). Effects of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) on Self-compassion and Attachment Style in Healthy People. Mindfulness, 11, 51–62.
25.Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2, 85-101. Doi: 10.1080/15298860390129863.
26.Neff, K. D., & Costigan, A.p. (2014). Self-compassion, wellbeing, and happiness. Retrived from www.self-compassion, org. Feb 22, 2016.
27.Nieto, M., Romero, D., Ros, L., Zabala, C., Martínez, M., Ricarte, J. J., Serrano, J. P., & Latorre, J. M. (2020). Differences in coping strategies between young and older adults: The role of executive functions. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 90(1), 28–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415018822040
28.Novak CJ, Chang EC, Xu J, Shen J, Zheng S, Wang Y. (2021). Basic psychological needs and negative affective conditions in Chinese adolescents: does coping still matter? Personal Individ Differ, 179, 110889.
29.Santos, A., Crespo, I., Pérez-Aranda, A., Beltrán-Ruiz, M.; Puebla-Guedea, M., García Campayo, J. (2022). Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy for Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Fibromyalgia. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 19, 8152. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138152
30.Tran, M. A. Q., Khoury, B., Chau, N. N. T., Van Pham, M., Dang, A. T. N., Ngo, T. V., ... & Le Dao, A. K. (2024). The role of self-compassion on psychological well-being and life satisfaction of Vietnamese undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Hope as a mediator. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 42(1), 35-53.
31.Vucenovic, D., Sipek, G., & Jelic, K. (2023). The role of emotional skills (competence) and coping strategies in adolescent depression. European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education, 13(3), 540-552.
32.Wakelin, K. E., Perman, G., & Simonds, L. M. (2022). Effectiveness of self‐compassion‐related interventions for reducing self‐criticism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(1), 1-25.
33.Warren, R., Smeets, E., & Neff, K. (2016). Self-criticism and self-compassion: Risk and resilience: Being compassionate to oneself is associated with emotional resilience and psychological well-being. Current Psychiatry, 15(12), 18–28.
34.Watson, G. L. (2024). Investigating the Influence of Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion on Adult Life Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Study. Acta Psychologia, 3(1), 31-39.
35.Wu, L. M., Chin, C. C., Chen, C. H., Lai, F. C., & Tseng, Y. Y. (2011). Development and validation of the paediatric cancer coping scale. Journal of Advance Nursing, 67(5), 1142–1151. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05567.x
36.Wu, L. M., Chiou, S. S., Sheen, J. M., Lin, P. C., Liao, Y. M., Chen, H. M., & Hsiao, C. C. (2014). Evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of a psycho-educational intervention for coping and symptom management by children with cancer: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Advance Nursing, 70(7), 1653–1662. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12328
37.Xavier, A., Pinto-Gouveia, J., & Cunha, M. (2016). The protective role of self-compassion on risk factors for non-suicidal self-injury in adolescence. School Mental Health, 8, 476–485.