Dataset MS Fostering Self-Compassion and Need Satisfaction. Effectiveness of an Online Intervention

Student self-compassion and basic psychological needs satisfaction play an important role in favouring overall well-being and resilience. Notwithstanding their relevance, their interplay is still underexplored. Previous research based on correlational studies found they relate, letting open the question of the direction and the possibility that acting on self-compassion – a stable disposition – will affect perceived need satisfaction and frustration. This study aimed at filling in this research gap by testing the effectiveness of a self-compassion intervention to raise need satisfaction and curb need frustration. Eighty university students were administered questionnaires to assess self-compassion and need satisfaction/frustration before and after participation to a four-week online programme (n=75) consisting in a range of self-compassion induction activities (compassionate imaging, reflecting, writing), proposed later to the waiting list control group (n=76). The results confirmed the effectiveness of the intervention in increasing self-compassion as well as need satisfaction by decreasing need frustration. Theoretical and educational implications as well as directions for future research are discussed.