Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (C-MBCT) and Self-Compassion on Reducing Depression in Children

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders among children and may negatively affect their emotional, social, and academic functioning if left untreated. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and self-compassion intervention on reducing depression in children with depressive symptoms.

Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up alongside a control group. The statistical population included 7- to 12-year-old female students in Tehran during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into three groups: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, self-compassion, and control (15 participants in each group). Data were collected using the Kovacs and Beck Children’s Depression Inventory and analyzed through repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Findings: The findings indicated that both mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and self-compassion interventions significantly reduced depression levels in children (P<0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant changes. In the mindfulness group, mean depression scores decreased from 18.27 at pre-test to 12.07 at post-test and 11.93 at follow-up. In the self-compassion group, scores decreased from 18.47 to 11.47 and then to 11.07 at follow-up. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two intervention groups (P=0.652), indicating comparable effectiveness of the treatments.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that both mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and self-compassion interventions are effective and sustainable approaches for reducing depression in children. Since no significant difference was found between the two interventions, either method may be selected based on children’s needs, therapist preference, and available clinical resources.