Feasibility Study of an Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness- and Compassion-Based Intervention for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Disorder

Abstract

Abstract Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with suicide risk, as well as a number of psychological disorders. This, coupled with its high prevalence rate, make it imperative that effective treatments for those who engage in NSSI are investigated and made available to the public. Despite this, few interventions specifically targeting NSSI have been researched. In fact, to date, there are no evidence-based treatments for NSSI. This study aimed to address this gap in the existing research by investigating the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of an embodied and embedded mindfulness and compassion treatment (EEMCT) for individuals who engage in self-injury. Methods Six participants attended eight weekly two-hour group therapy sessions. Outcomes measured included urges to self-injure, as well as mental health symptoms commonly associated with NSSI (i.e., depression, anxiety, difficulty with emotion regulation, perceived stress). Outcomes were measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and six months follow-up. Results Anxiety decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention and from pre-intervention to follow-up. Depressive symptoms also significantly decreased from pre-intervention to follow-up, as did emotion regulation. Perceived stress did not show significant change across time points, nor did urges to self-injure. Participants gave feedback about the intervention in semi-structured interviews. They noted benefits of the intervention (e.g., learning self-kindness and awareness of thoughts and feelings), as well as several ways in which the intervention could be improved (e.g., more take-home practice material, shorter meditations). Conclusions