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

Figures

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  Figure 1. Study design and procedure. (A) Experimental procedure of this study. (B) Schematic diagram of the Stress-inducing task. HAMA, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale; HAMD, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; SCS, Self-compassion Scale; HR, heart rate; HRV, heart rate variability; STAI-S, State form of Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; High SC, high self-compassion group; Low SC, low self-compassion group.

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  Figure 2. Distribution of self-compassion scores and group difference in changes in state anxiety. (A) Participants were divided into High SC (n = 39) and Low SC (n = 38) groups based on their self-reported self-compassion score (Median = 2.85). (B) The results show a significant group difference in changes in state anxiety (t (75) = -2.07, p = 0.041). The asterisk indicates statistical significance (p < 0.05). The column and error bar represent the mean and the standard error of the mean, respectively.

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  Figure 3. Heart rate response during negative feedback. (A) The pink column highlights the time window (0 - 0.85s) during which there is a group difference in HR change between the High SC and Low SC group. The background colors indicate the 95% confidence of intervals. (B) Individuals with high SC group had lower heart rate response to the negative feedback than the Low SC group (t (75) = -2.25, p = 0.03). The asterisk indicates statistical significance (p < 0.05).

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  Figure 4. Changes in HF-HRV during negative feedback. (A) There is a significant difference in the HF-HRV between the High SC and the Low SC in the time window of 0.7 - 3.4 seconds, indicated by the pink column. (B) The high SC group had a higher HF-HRV change compared to the Low SC group (t (75) = 2.64, p = 0.01). (C) HF-HRV was negatively correlated with HAMA anxiety (r = - 0.32, df = 75, p = 0.005).