The effect of self-compassion versus mindfulness interventions on autonomic responses to stress in generalized anxiety disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Although research on psychological interventions in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has provided evidence of their effectiveness regarding self-reported outcomes, few studies have examined their psychophysiological effects. Heart rate is emerging as a potential biomarker of efficacy in anxiety disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a self-compassion intervention versus a mindfulness intervention on physiological arousal in response to induced stress.

Methods

Forty-seven patients with GAD had heart rate data collected during a stress task before and after a 2-week pharmacological treatment (known as treatment as usual, TAU), a self-compassion intervention + TAU or a mindfulness intervention + TAU. They also reported state anxiety, positive affe

SUBMITTER: Qi X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11833619 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature