The Effectiveness of the Mindful Self-compassion Program on Depression, Anxiety and Anger in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Psychological symptoms in individuals with cardiovascular disease may exacerbate cardiovascular symptoms and increase the risk of heart attack. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindful self-compassion program in reducing depression, anxiety, and anger in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Methods: This clinical trial included patients who sought professional care at Imam Ali Cardiovascular Hospital and Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah from October to December 2020. Twenty-eight patients were selected according to the inclusion criteria using purposive sampling and were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups (14 per group). Two participants in each group dropped out, leaving 24 participants (12 per group) for analysis. The experimental group received eight sessions of mindful self-compassion, whereas the control group received relaxation compact discs and handbooks. Participants completed a demographic information form, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Siegel’s Multidimensional Anger Inventory (MAI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The sample comprised 13 male and 11 female participants. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant effects of time, time-by-group interaction, and between-group differences in depression, anxiety, and anger (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The mindful self-compassion program effectively reduced depression, anxiety, and anger in patients with cardiovascular disease.