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The Effect of Mindfulness Training with a Mentalization-Based Approach on Self-Compassion, Effective Communication, and Cognitive Flexibility in Women
Asie Kafian Yazdi *1 , Nastaran Ahmadi2
1- Master of Counseling and Guidance of Islamic Azad University of Yazd, Iran , a.s.akafian@gmail.com
2- PhD in clinical psychology, Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Abstract:   (35 Views)
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness training with a mentalization approach on self-compassion, effective communication, and cognitive flexibility in women in Yazd city. The research method was experimental with a pre-test–post-test design and a control group. The statistical population included all women referring to the Parand Clinic in Yazd. The sample consisted of 30 women selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (15 participants) and the control group (15 participants). The research instruments for data collection included the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003), Effective Communication Questionnaire (Quinn-Davis, 2004), and Cognitive Flexibility Scale (Dennis & VanderWal, 2010). The mindfulness training with a mentalization approach was delivered through a workshop designed by the researcher, conducted over 10 two-hour sessions for the experimental group. The statistical analysis was performed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to analyze the data. The results of hypothesis testing through ANCOVA (significance level of 0.05) indicated a significant difference between the mean scores of self-compassion and effective communication between the two groups in the post-test stage, after controlling for the pre-test effect (p < 0.001). The effect size for self-compassion was 4.17, and for effective communication, it was 5.30. However, no significant difference was observed in cognitive flexibility between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups (p > 0.001). Therefore, mindfulness training with a mentalization approach was able to improve self-compassion and effective communication among women in Yazd city. Based on these findings, therapeutic and educational centers could play a significant role in enhancing communication skills and psychological empowerment among women by designing and implementing similar training programs.
Keywords: Mindfulness, Mentalization, Self-Compassion, Effective Communication, Cognitive Flexibility
     
Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2024/11/10 | Revised: 2026/01/5 | Accepted: 2026/01/17 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/02/13
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