Shufang Sun1, Alison M Pickover2, Simon B Goldberg3, Jabeene Bhimji4, Julie K Nguyen5, Anna E Evans6, Bobbi Patterson7, Nadine J Kaslow5. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School. 2. Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University. 3. Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 4. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine. 5. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine. 6. Department of Psychology, University of Washington. 7. Department of Religion, Emory College.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Both Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) and support-based group intervention have been found to be effective for African American suicide attempters in reducing suicidal ideation and depression, as well as enhancing self-compassion. This study aims to further our understanding of effective interventions by exploring participants' responses to both interventions. METHODS: Exploratory analyses were conducted in a sample of low-income African Americans who had attempted suicide (n=82) to determine how baseline demographic and psychological characteristics would (1) predict outcomes (i.e., suicidal ideation, depression, and self-compassion) regardless of intervention conditions, and (2) moderate outcomes in interaction with intervention condition. RESULTS: Non-reactivity, a mindfulness facet, was identified as an intervention moderator for suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms, suggesting that CBCT outperformed the support group for African American suicide attempters who had low baseline non-reactivity (or high reactivity). Individuals who had high non-reactivity at baseline appeared to benefit more from both conditions in self-compassion as an outcome. There was a pattern that homeless individuals benefited less in terms of their levels of depressive symptoms and self-compassion as outcomes regardless of the assigned condition. When applying Bonferroni corrections, only non-reactivity as an intervention moderator for depressive symptoms was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal the relevance of mindfulness and to a lesser extent socioeconomic status in informing compassion-based intervention outcomes with this underserved population and the importance of intervention matching and tailoring to maximize treatment effects. Future large trials are needed to replicate findings and directions indicated from the current pilot study.
OBJECTIVES: Both Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) and support-based group intervention have been found to be effective for African American suicide attempters in reducing suicidal ideation and depression, as well as enhancing self-compassion. This study aims to further our understanding of effective interventions by exploring participants' responses to both interventions. METHODS: Exploratory analyses were conducted in a sample of low-income African Americans who had attempted suicide (n=82) to determine how baseline demographic and psychological characteristics would (1) predict outcomes (i.e., suicidal ideation, depression, and self-compassion) regardless of intervention conditions, and (2) moderate outcomes in interaction with intervention condition. RESULTS: Non-reactivity, a mindfulness facet, was identified as an intervention moderator for suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms, suggesting that CBCT outperformed the support group for African American suicide attempters who had low baseline non-reactivity (or high reactivity). Individuals who had high non-reactivity at baseline appeared to benefit more from both conditions in self-compassion as an outcome. There was a pattern that homeless individuals benefited less in terms of their levels of depressive symptoms and self-compassion as outcomes regardless of the assigned condition. When applying Bonferroni corrections, only non-reactivity as an intervention moderator for depressive symptoms was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal the relevance of mindfulness and to a lesser extent socioeconomic status in informing compassion-based intervention outcomes with this underserved population and the importance of intervention matching and tailoring to maximize treatment effects. Future large trials are needed to replicate findings and directions indicated from the current pilot study.
Authors: Ruth A Baer; Gregory T Smith; Emily Lykins; Daniel Button; Jennifer Krietemeyer; Shannon Sauer; Erin Walsh; Danielle Duggan; J Mark G Williams Journal: Assessment Date: 2008-02-29
Authors: N J Kaslow; M P Thompson; L A Meadows; D Jacobs; S Chance; B Gibb; H Bornstein; L Hollins; A Rashid; K Phillips Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 1998-06