Feasibility study of an embodied and embedded mindfulness- and compassion-based intervention for non-suicidal self-injury disorder

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. This study aimed to address this gap in the existing research by investigating the 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. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods. 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: Quantitative results supported the acceptability of the intervention. Mixed results were found for the intervention’s feasibility. 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). For several participants, clinically meaningful change was seen in anxiety from pre-intervention to post-intervention and from pre-intervention to follow-up. Some participants also showed meaningful decreases in depressive symptoms and emotion regulation from pre-intervention to follow-up. Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study suggest that EEMCT may be helpful and acceptable to individuals who engage in NSSI; however, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Suggestions for improving the feasibility of the intervention are discussed.