The Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Training on Resilience and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disability

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of self-compassion training on the resilience and quality of life of mothers with mentally retarded children.

The current research was practical in terms of purpose. The research method was experimental with a pre-test-post-test design in two groups. The statistical population of the research was mothers with mentally retarded children in Ardabil city in 1401 and also, the availability sampling method was used. Among the qualified volunteers, 100 people entered the study and were randomly replaced in two groups of 50 people (self-compassion training and control). The self-compassion training group received eight 90-minute sessions. Standard questionnaires on resilience and quality of life were used to collect information. The data collected in the pre-test and post-test stages were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS version 26 statistical software.

The findings of the present study showed, there is a significant difference between the control and experiment (p<0.01) groups in the post-test scores in terms of perception of individual competence (F=441.15), trust in individual instincts and tolerance of negative emotions (F=423.05), positive acceptance of change and secure relationships (F=399.82), control (F=261.60) and spiritual effects (F=241.62) variables. Also, in respect of individual physical health (F=66.60), mental health (F=157.29), social relations (F=146.62) and environmental health (F=135.45) variables in the post-test scores, there is a significant difference between control and experiment (p<0.01) groups.

Therefore, it can be concluded that self-compassion training has a positive effect on the dimensions of the resilience of mothers with mentally retarded children and improves individual competence, trust in individual instincts and tolerance of negative emotions, positive acceptance of change and safe relationships, control and spiritual effects. Also, self-compassion training has a positive effect on the dimensions of the quality of life of mothers with mentally retarded children and improves individual physical health, mental health, social relationships and environmental health.