Abstract / Summary
Abstract Objectives This study was conducted to determine the effects of mindfulness-based self-compassion training for menopausal women on their genital self-image and anger. Method This study was randomized with 126 menopausal women (study group n = 63, control group n = 63) between June 2024 and February 2025. Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Training (MBSCT) was applied in groups of 10 and 11 participants, once a week, for 8 sessions of 40 minutes. Data were obtained using the Personal Information Form, Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and DSM-V Level II Anger Scale. Results No significant differences were observed between the FGSIS and DSM-V Level II Anger Scale pre-test mean scores of the participants in the study and control groups (p > 0.05). However, the FGSIS post-test mean score was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (21.03 vs. 17.76; mean difference = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.75–4.79; p< .001), and the effect size of this difference was large (Cohen's d = 0.761). In addition, when the DSM-V Level II Anger Scale post-test mean scores were compared, the mean score of the study group was significantly lower than in the control group (10.85 vs. 14.34; mean difference=-3.49, 95% CI: -4.98 to -2.00; p<. 001) and the effect size of this difference was also large (Cohen's d = 0.825). Conclusion MBSCT was associated with improved genital self-image and reduced anger levels among menopausal women. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential effectiveness of MBSCT; however, larger multicenter randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings. Trial registration: Clinical Trials Protocol Registration and Results System (Clinicaltrials.gov), NCT06942169 Date of registration 16.04.2025, retrospectively registered.