Exploring mindful self-compassion for individuals with eating disorder symptoms: feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary self-reported health outcomes
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN14215207 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14215207 |
| Sponsor | Norwegian University of Science and Technology |
| Funder | Fakultet for medisin og helsevitenskap, Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet |
- Submission date
- 22/07/2026
- Registration date
- 23/07/2026
- Last edited
- 23/07/2026
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
This study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of an online Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) programme for adults experiencing eating disorder symptoms. MSC is an 8-week course that combines self-compassion practices, mindfulness exercises, psychoeducation, group discussions, and home practice to help participants develop a kinder and more supportive relationship with themselves.
Who can participate?
Adults aged 18 years and older with a formal eating disorder diagnosis or self-reported eating-related problem.
What does the study involve?
Participants were recruited through ROS (The Norwegian Eating Disorders Association), a low-threshold support service for individuals experiencing eating-related difficulties. No formal eating disorder diagnosis was required for participation. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the programme. The questionnaires measured eating disorder symptoms, self-compassion, self-esteem, and mental well-being. After completing the programme, participants also evaluated their satisfaction with the course and could provide written feedback on their experiences.
The primary aim of the study was to assess whether an online peer-led MSC programme was feasible and acceptable for individuals with eating disorder symptoms. Feasibility was assessed through attendance and completion rates, while acceptability was assessed through participant satisfaction. The secondary aim was to explore changes in self-compassion, self-esteem, mental well-being, and eating disorder symptoms following participation in the programme.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
This was the first evaluation of an MSC programme for individuals with eating disorder symptoms in Norway and may provide important information about the potential value of self-compassion-based interventions in this population.
No known risks were associated with participation in the intervention. The study was considered low risk, and no adverse effects related to participation were anticipated.
Where is the study run from?
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2022 to December 2022.
Who is funding the study?
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norway.
Who is the main contact?
Prof Mariela Loreto Lara Cabrera, mariela.lara@ntnu.no
Contact information
Public
Molde University College
P.O. Box 2110
Molde
NO-6402
Norway
 ORCID ID |
0000-0001-7716-7122 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +4792668499 |
| ingunn.p.mundal@himolde.no |
Scientific, Principal investigator
Department of Mental Health
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Trondheim
NO-7491
Norway
| ORCID ID |
0000-0002-7342-9049 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +4748280188 |
| mariela.lara@ntnu.no |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Allocation | N/A: single arm study |
| Masking | Open (masking not used) |
| Control | Uncontrolled |
| Assignment | Single |
| Purpose | Health services research |
| Scientific title | Self-compassion, self-esteem and eating disorders |
| Study objectives | The primary objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. The secondary objective was to explore the potential effects of the programme on self-compassion, self-esteem, mental well-being, and eating disorder symptom severity. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 04/01/2022, Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Central Norway (REK Midt) (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), P.O. Box 8905, Trondheim, NO-7491, Norway; +47 73 59 75 1; rek-midt@mh.ntnu.no), ref: REK 271296 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Eating disorder symptoms and eating-related difficulties, irrespective of formal eating disorder diagnosis. |
| Intervention | This was the first online peer-led Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) programme offered to individuals with eating disorder symptoms in a Norwegian context. The 8-week online peer-led MSC programme consists of weekly 2.5-hour group sessions and a half-day retreat. The programme included guided meditations, psychoeducation, experiential exercises, group discussions, and daily home practice, with the aim of enhancing self-compassion, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated through attendance and attrition rates, as well as participant satisfaction with the peer-led intervention. Potential effects of the programme on self-compassion, self-esteem, mental well-being, and eating disorder symptom severity were assessed by comparing self-reported questionnaire data collected before and after participation in the programme. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Completion date | 01/12/2022 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 85 |
| Total final enrolment | 18 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Aged 18 years or older 2. Provided informed consent 3. Participants eligible regardless of whether they had a formal eating disorder diagnosis or self-reported eating-related problem 4. Completion of at least 80% of the Mindful Self-Compassion course 5. Participation in one of the two 8-week course cohorts |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Younger than 18 years 2. Completion of less than 80% of the Mindful Self-Compassion course |
| Date of first enrolment | 10/01/2022 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/12/2022 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Norway
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|
Editorial Notes
23/07/2026: Study’s existence confirmed by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Central Norway (REK Midt), Norway.
