Adolescent cognitive reappraisal improves the effectiveness of self-compassion writing on internalizing problems: a randomized controlled trial
摘要
The present study explored the impact of self–compassion writing on improving self–compassion and reducing internalizing problems among adolescents, as well as the moderating effect of cognitive reappraisal. A total of 114 adolescents were randomly assigned by class to either writing or control conditions for a two-week group self-compassion writing intervention. The participants were also categorized into high or low reappraisal groups based on their cognitive reappraisal scores. Self-reported measures of internalizing problems and self-compassion were collected at the beginning (baseline), immediately after the intervention (posttest), and at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. The results showed that participants in the writing condition reported higher self-compassion at the posttest, and reduced internalizing problems at the posttest and the 1-month follow-up compared to their baseline scores. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control condition’s internalizing problems and self-compassion across the baseline and subsequent assessments. Notably, the low reappraisal group experienced a reduction in internalizing problems only at the posttest, whereas the high reappraisal group demonstrated sustained decreases in internalizing problems at the posttest and at both follow-up points compared to their baseline. These findings suggest that self-compassion writing provides short-term benefits in improving adolescents’ self-compassion and has longer-lasting effects in reducing internalizing problems. Moreover, the ability to engage in cognitive reappraisal appears to extend the beneficial effects of self-compassion writing over time.