Effects of Compassion-Focused Therapy Training Program on Self-Compassion and Mental Health among University Students

Thitaporn Kaewboonchoo; Narulmon Prayai; Pitchada Prasittichok

Authors

Thitaporn Kaewboonchoo Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakarinwirot University, Thailand, Email, thitaporn.kae@mfu.ac.th
Narulmon Prayai Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakarinwirot University, Thailand, Email, narnimon@g.swu.ac.th
Pitchada Prasittichok Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakarinwirot University, Thailand, Email, pitchada@g.swu.ac.th

Keywords:

Compassion-focused therapy, Mental health, Dual-factor model, Self-compassion, Intervention

Abstract

Background: There has been a substantial increase in the concern regarding mental health among university students, with an increasing number of evidence that students are experiencing high level of psychological distress including stress, anxiety, and depression. Objective: This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the compassion focused therapy (CFT) training program for enhancing self-compassion and mental health among university students. Methods: The intervention sought to improve self-compassion as well as promote mental health using dual-factor model framework of Greenspoon and Saklofske. Undergraduate students from a university in Northern Thailand were recruited and randomly assigned to either experimental group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Assessments tools including Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Flourishing Scale (FS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and one-week follow-up. Results: The repeated measures multivariate analysis revealed a significant increase of self-compassion and psychological well-being as well as significant decrease of psychopathology in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that CFT training program was effective in improving both positive and negative dimensions of mental health for university students. Integrating compassion-based practices into mental health program may offer sustainable approach to enhance well-being and reducing psychological distress. Future research should examine the long-term effects and broader application in more diverse populations.

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