At a glance
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Neurophysiological Effects of Interoceptive Compassion Training
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introduction Program (HST-IIP) for Depression. Completed, enrolled 35 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Heart-Smile Training (HST) is a compassion and loving-kindness-based intensive introduction program consisting of a 3-day retreat, 4-weeks of weekly 2 hour meetings, and a 1-day final retreat. This study is a randomized controlled trial study to evaluate the effectiveness of Heart-Smile Training as compared to the passive control group on measures of neural, physiological, and clinically-relevant outcomes among individuals with symptoms of depression. Participants will be randomized to either the HST group or a waitlist control group. Both groups will complete assessments before and after HST including electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiogram (EKG), electrodermal activity tests, and self-report surveys. All study activities except surveys will be conducted in person.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Heart-Smile Training (HST) is an interoceptive compassion program designed to develop the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness for oneself and others with a focus on interoceptive awareness. It is unique from other compassion trainings in its focus on 1) embodiment of warmth and tenderness of compassionate feeling with a compassionate body scan meditation, 2) development of an "authentic presence," characterized by a warm feeling of loosened attachment to ego-based self, and 3) cultivation of joy triggered by genuine smile to oneself. HST-IIP is a 3-day/4-week/1-day interoceptive compassion program that shares the same core elements and practices as HST 3-day intensive program. Unlike HST, the format of the HST-IIP has an extended duration to develop self-regulation through the cultivation of emotional and behavioral regulation.