The Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Training on Loneliness Feeling and Resilience of Women Subjected to Domestic Violence

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Domestic violence in women increases loneliness feeling and reduces resilience in women subjected to domestic violence. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determine the effectiveness of self-compassion training on loneliness feeling and resilience of women subjected to domestic violence.

Methodology: This research was a quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The population of the present research was all women subjected to domestic violence who referred to support centers of Semnan city in the second half of 2024 year. The sample size consisted of 28 women who were selected using available sampling method and randomly assigned into two groups of 14 people. The experimental group received 6 sessions of 120 minute the self-compassion training, and the control group remained on the waiting list for the intervention. The instruments of the present research included the Violence Against Women Questionnaire (World Health Organization, 2004), Short Version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (DiTommaso et al., 1993), and Resilience Scale (Connor & Davidson, 2003). The data of this research were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance method in SPSS-25 software.

Findings: The results of the present research indicated that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in both variables of loneliness feeling and resilience. In the other words, self-compassion training reduced loneliness feeling and increased resilience in women subjected to domestic violence (P<0.001).

Conclusion: According to the aforementioned results, counselors and therapists can use self-compassion training along with other effective educational methods to reduce loneliness feeling and increase resilience in vulnerable groups, including women subjected to domestic violence.