The Impact of a Mindfulness Mobile Application on Compassion and Psychological Well-being

Marie Chamberlain
Carol Hundert Gonzales M.A., Loyola University Chicago
Colleen Conley Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago

Abstract

The present study examined how the use of a mindfulness app affects compassion and mental health. Participants were randomized to a mindfulness intervention or waitlist control. We predicted the intervention would increase self-compassion, which, in turn, would decrease depression (i.e., self-compassion would act as a mediator). Further, we expected the intervention would increase compassion for others, which would decrease depression. Self-compassion mediated the relationship such that the intervention predicted increased self-compassion, which predicted decreased depression. Compassion for others did not significantly mediate the relationship. Findings provide evidence for an everyday tool to improve self-compassion and psychological well-being.

 

The Impact of a Mindfulness Mobile Application on Compassion and Psychological Well-being

The present study examined how the use of a mindfulness app affects compassion and mental health. Participants were randomized to a mindfulness intervention or waitlist control. We predicted the intervention would increase self-compassion, which, in turn, would decrease depression (i.e., self-compassion would act as a mediator). Further, we expected the intervention would increase compassion for others, which would decrease depression. Self-compassion mediated the relationship such that the intervention predicted increased self-compassion, which predicted decreased depression. Compassion for others did not significantly mediate the relationship. Findings provide evidence for an everyday tool to improve self-compassion and psychological well-being.