| This investigation assessed the effects of a self acceptance training emphasizing compassion and mindfulness skills (not meditation) with inner experiences (thoughts, feelings, sensations, awarenesses). Utilizing a repeated measures randomized control design (N = 46), quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed in an integral inquiry method. Independent 2-tailed t-tests were applied to all of the pretreatment data to ensure that there were no significant differences between intervention and control groups. A priori repeated measures t-tests for all pairwise comparisons were computed using Dunn's method to assure that the total risk of a Type I error did not exceed 5%. Thematic analysis, heuristic inquiry, and a resonance comparison and integration of thematic findings were used for the qualitative data. Instruments utilized were the POI subscales of self-acceptance and self-regard, a researcher-developed quantitative and qualitative questionnaire, the POMS-SV, and the PSS-10. The intervention was a 6-session training (2 hours weekly, group format) that redefined self as inner experiences then developed compassion and mindfulness skills with inner experiences. Results were statistically significant (p = <.01–.05) on all dependent variable measures of self acceptance, time spent self rejecting, mindfulness skills, compassion skills, mood disturbance, stress, self-regard, and ability to be present. Effect sizes ranged from .44 to 1.81 (mean = .92). The control group remained the same over time except on mood disturbance and self-regard. Two of the main themes in the qualitative findings include the importance of (a) the instructor's embodiment of the teachings and (b) participants decreasing self rejecting behavior in order to be more self accepting. This study adds to the evidence of the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions and suggests redirecting focus from self-esteem research to a focus on self acceptance research and interventions through redefining self and developing compassion and mindfulness skills with inner experiences. |
