A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. Author: Neff KD, Germer CK. Affiliation: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. kristin.neff@mail.utexas.edu Conference/Journal: J Clin Psychol. Date published: 2013 Jan Other: Volume ID: 69 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 28-44 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1002/jclp.21923. , Word Count: 137 OBJECTIVES: The aim of these two studies was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, an 8-week workshop designed to train people to be more self-compassionate. METHODS: Study 1 was a pilot study that examined change scores in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes among community adults (N = 21; mean [M] age = 51.26, 95% female). Study 2 was a randomized controlled trial that compared a treatment group (N = 25; M age = 51.21; 78% female) with a waitlist control group (N = 27; M age = 49.11; 82% female). RESULTS: Study 1 found significant pre/post gains in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes. Study 2 found that compared with the control group, intervention participants reported significantly larger increases in self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing. Gains were maintained at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: The MSC program appears to be effective at enhancing self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID: 23070875