Abstract
Compared to the general population, youth in foster care experience multiple psychosocial difficulties due to exceptionally
high rates of maltreatment. Many youth in care receive psychological and/or psychotropic treatment but not all require or
are willing to accept that level of intervention. For many, a “mental health” approach feels pathologizing. Nevertheless,
these youth have suffered maltreatment and interventions to improve their ability to cope with past trauma and their often
uncertain present are clearly needed. Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) provides an alternative perspective on
suffering and can be framed as a wellness intervention that is appropriate for all humans. The present study examined whether
a 6-week CBCT intervention would improve psychosocial functioning among adolescents in foster care. Seventy adolescents were
randomized to CBCT (twice weekly) or a wait-list condition. Youth were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Groups did
not differ on measures of psychosocial functioning following training; however practice frequency was associated with increased
hopefulness and a trend for a decrease in generalized anxiety. Qualitative results indicated that participants found CBCT
useful for dealing with daily life stressors. Adolescents in care were willing to engage in CBCT. The majority reported CBCT
was very helpful and almost all reported they would recommend CBCT to a friend. Participants reported specific instances of
using CBCT strategies to regulate emotion, manage stress, or to respond more compassionately towards others. Standardized
self-report measures were not sensitive to qualitative reports of improved functioning, suggesting the need for measures more
sensitive to the positive changes noted or longer training periods to demonstrate effects. Practical issues surrounding implementation
of such programs in high-risk youth populations are identified. Recommendations are provided for further development.
high rates of maltreatment. Many youth in care receive psychological and/or psychotropic treatment but not all require or
are willing to accept that level of intervention. For many, a “mental health” approach feels pathologizing. Nevertheless,
these youth have suffered maltreatment and interventions to improve their ability to cope with past trauma and their often
uncertain present are clearly needed. Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) provides an alternative perspective on
suffering and can be framed as a wellness intervention that is appropriate for all humans. The present study examined whether
a 6-week CBCT intervention would improve psychosocial functioning among adolescents in foster care. Seventy adolescents were
randomized to CBCT (twice weekly) or a wait-list condition. Youth were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Groups did
not differ on measures of psychosocial functioning following training; however practice frequency was associated with increased
hopefulness and a trend for a decrease in generalized anxiety. Qualitative results indicated that participants found CBCT
useful for dealing with daily life stressors. Adolescents in care were willing to engage in CBCT. The majority reported CBCT
was very helpful and almost all reported they would recommend CBCT to a friend. Participants reported specific instances of
using CBCT strategies to regulate emotion, manage stress, or to respond more compassionately towards others. Standardized
self-report measures were not sensitive to qualitative reports of improved functioning, suggesting the need for measures more
sensitive to the positive changes noted or longer training periods to demonstrate effects. Practical issues surrounding implementation
of such programs in high-risk youth populations are identified. Recommendations are provided for further development.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10826-012-9571-7
- Authors
- Sheethal D. Reddy, Health4Life Program, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Department of Religion, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Brooke Dodson-Lavelle, Department of Religion, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Department of Religion, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Thaddeus W. W. Pace, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Steve P. Cole, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Charles L. Raison, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- Linda W. Craighead, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Journal Journal of Child and Family Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-2843
- Print ISSN 1062-1024