# Self-compassion modulates autonomic and psychological responses to stress among adults with generalized anxiety disorders

## TL;DR

Higher self-compassion helps reduce stress and anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder, both mentally and physically.

## Contribution

This study is the first to show that self-compassion reduces physiological and psychological stress responses in generalized anxiety disorder patients.

## Key findings

- Individuals with higher self-compassion had lower heart rates and anxiety during stress.
- Higher self-compassion was linked to greater heart rate variability during stress.
- Heart rate variability was negatively correlated with anxiety levels in GAD patients.

## Abstract

Self-compassion is associated with emotional well-being, yet its benefits in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of self-compassion on emotional and physiological stress responses in individuals diagnosed with GAD.

Seventy-seven GAD patients were categorized into high (n = 39) and low (n = 38) self-compassion groups using the Self-Compassion Scale. Electrocardiograms were recorded during a stress-inducing task, in which negative feedback was provided on personal intelligence and career development. Participants reported state anxiety and perceived stress pre- and post-task.

When exposed to a stressor, individuals with higher self-compassion had lower heart rates (t
(75) = -2.06, p = 0.043), higher heart rate variability (t
(75) = 2.73, p = 0.04), and lower anxiety (t
(75) = -2.07, p = 0.041) compared to the lower self-compassion group. Moreover, heart rate variability was negatively correlated with anxiety across patients (r = -0.31, df = 75, p = 0.03).

These results highlight the role of self-compassion in managing psychological and physiological responses to stress in GAD patients and indicate the potential of self-compassion interventions in GAD treatments.