Background
The period following the pandemic has witnessed a surge in depression, distress, and anxiety, alongside a rise in digitalization. This has underscored the necessity of finding alternatives to in-person interventions for mental well-being. According to positive psychology, compassion and gratitude can alleviate anxiety and depression. This pilot study investigates the impact of a four-week self-directed online training program that emphasizes compassion and gratitude as essential components of women's psychological well-being.
Methods
For this randomized controlled trial, a sample of 51 women aged between 21 and 39 years was selected. The experimental group underwent a four-week training program on compassion and gratitude, which included psychoeducation, compassion exercises, and journaling. Participants' levels of compassion and gratitude were assessed before and after the four-week program using standardized self-report surveys.
Results
The study shows that participants in the experimental group experienced a significant improvement in both compassion and gratitude skills. Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation between compassion and gratitude.
Conclusion
The findings of the pilot study suggest that a brief self-directed online program aimed at cultivating compassion and gratitude can enhance factors that are crucial to women's mental well-being. Further research is necessary to examine the long-term effects of these interventions and their suitability for diverse demographics.
Trial Registration
The trail was registered 23.12.2022 at German Clinical Trails Registre. Registration ID: DRKS00030973