Enhancing Mental Health in Emerging Adults Through Self-Compassion: Results From a Randomized Controlled Group Counseling Intervention
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Emerging adulthood, spanning roughly from ages 18 to 30, is characterized by significant psychological, emotional, and social transitions, often accompanied by elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and self-criticism. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a six-week group counseling intervention focused on cultivating self-compassion and cognitive-emotional awareness to improve the mental health of emerging adults. The intervention sought to enhance participants’ self-compassion and self-esteem while reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. Seventy undergraduate students from Panteion University were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 35) or a waitlist control group (n = 35). Assessments were conducted at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Measures included the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Modified Differential Emotions Scale (mDES). Results revealed a significant increase in self-compassion and positive emotions, as well as a significant decrease in psychological distress in the intervention group compared to the control group. These benefits persisted at three-month follow-up. Findings highlight the potential of cost-effective, group-based interventions grounded in self-compassion to meet the mental health needs of university students. Future research should examine long-term effects and generalizability across diverse populations. The intervention reflects the core values of counselling psychology, emphasizing relational depth, empathy, and the promotion of self-awareness and well-being within a culturally sensitive, developmental framework. These principles underpin the study’s focus on prevention and the enhancement of psychological resilience among emerging adults.
DOI: 10.46853/001c.146057
Authors: Eirini Karakasidou, Athina Komninou
Institution: Panteion University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415652350