Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training for Menopausal Women

Tarsus University126 enrolled

Overview

This study was conducted to determine the effects of mindfulness-based self-compassion training for menopausal women on their genital self-image and self-anger. Materials and Methods: This study was randomized with 126 menopausal women (study group n=63, control group n=63) between June 2024 and February 2025. Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training (MBSCT) was applied in groups of 10 and 11 participants, twice a week, for 8 sessions of 40 minutes. Data were obtained using the Personal Information Form, Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and DSM-V Level II Anger Scale. Research Hypotheses: H1: MBSCT applied to menopausal women enhances the genital self-image of individuals. H2: MBSCT applied to menopausal women reduces individuals' self-anger.

The menopausal period is a period of physical and mental changes in which the body enters the aging process and the functionality of the genital organs decreases. During this period, women face negative body image, low genital self-image, and inadequate sexual functions. Perceived negative body image can lead to consequences such as low genital self-image and sexual dissatisfaction. Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training is a very comprehensive approach that addresses the awareness and acceptance of individuals towards their bodies, as well as encouraging them to live a conscious life. Studies found that self-compassion increases well-being during menopause . Psychiatric nursing is a special field that works to evaluate, diagnose, and enhance mental health in every area where people are present. However, midwifery has a wide service area with the priority of preventive health services; primarily women's health, and the duties of evaluating, diagnosing, enhancing, and rehabilitating the physical and psychological health of the whole family. In light of this information, increasing the mindfulness and self-compassion levels of women in menopause may increase the place of women who "age" healthily and therefore mentally healthy elderly women, in society and may make a significant contribution to protecting and improving the mental health of society. Since the literature review revealed a gap in the literature regarding these areas for women in the menopausal period, this study was conducted to determine the effects of mindfulness-based self-compassion training for menopausal women on their genital self-image and self-anger.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Interventions

Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion TrainingBEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training is a very comprehensive approach that addresses the awareness and acceptance of individuals towards their bodies, as well as encouraging them to live a conscious life. Studies found that self-compassion increases well-being during menopause (Brown, 2015; Arab et al., 2020). Psychiatric nursing is a special field that works to evaluate, diagnose, and enhance mental health in every area where people are present.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 45 and 70 years old * Having no hearing problems * Being at menopause in the last year * Having no psychiatric illness * Having natural menopause * Not receiving hormone replacement therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Those who did not attend two or more training sessions during the study were excluded from the study. * Those who entered menopause surgically and received hormone/replacement therapy during the process were not included in the study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS)

The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) was developed by Herbenick and Reece (2010) in the United States to measure women's genital self-perceptions.

Time frame: baseline and after 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

DSM-V Level 2 Anger Scale

The Turkish validity and reliability of the Level II Anger Scale prepared by the American Psychiatric Association for DSM-V was conducted by Çöldür et al. (2017). The DSM-V Level II Anger Scale is a five-item self-report scale used to measure the level of self-anger in adults and provides a practical measurement. Each item asks the individual to rate the severity of their anger at themselves over the last 7 days. Scale scoring ranges from 5 to 25.