Research Article

The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome

Volume: 6 Number: 6 December 27, 2025
TR EN

The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to examine the effects of the Compassionate Mind Program on psychological symptoms in mothers of individuals with Down syndrome. Methods: The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of 48 female participants aged between 22 and 60. Data were collected through a Demographic Information Form and the Brief Symptom Inventory. The Compassionate Mind Program was administered to the experimental group (n=24) once a week for 90 minutes over 8 weeks. The control group (n=24) received psychoeducation. Results: The findings revealed that the Compassionate Mind Program significantly reduced anxiety (p=.001) and somatization (p=.003) symptoms in the experimental group. However, it did not produce statistically significant changes in depressive symptoms (p=.975), negative self (p=.437), or hostility levels (p=.468). Conclusion: The findings suggest that depressive symptoms may have become deeper and more chronic due to the mothers’ long-term role as primary caregivers. This may cause depressive symptoms to be more resistant to short-term compassion based interventions. In addition, an eight-week intervention may not be sufficient to transform more persistent psychological conditions such as emotional exhaustion or learned helplessness observed in these mothers. The results of the study suggest that compassion-focused intervention programs may be beneficial for caregivers. On the other hand, the integration of the program into longer-term or more comprehensive programs is thought to increase its effectiveness.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychotherapy Practise and Research

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 27, 2025

Submission Date

July 15, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 26, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 6 Number: 6

APA
Akoğlu, B. (2025). The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, 6(6), 622-628. https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1742867
AMA
1.Akoğlu B. The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2025;6(6):622-628. doi:10.47582/jompac.1742867
Chicago
Akoğlu, Bahar. 2025. “The Effect of the Compassionate Mind Program on the Psychological Symptoms of Mothers of Individuals With Down Syndrome”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 6 (6): 622-28. https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1742867.
EndNote
Akoğlu B (December 1, 2025) The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 6 6 622–628.
IEEE
[1]B. Akoğlu, “The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome”, J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac, vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 622–628, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.47582/jompac.1742867.
ISNAD
Akoğlu, Bahar. “The Effect of the Compassionate Mind Program on the Psychological Symptoms of Mothers of Individuals With Down Syndrome”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 6/6 (December 1, 2025): 622-628. https://doi.org/10.47582/jompac.1742867.
JAMA
1.Akoğlu B. The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2025;6:622–628.
MLA
Akoğlu, Bahar. “The Effect of the Compassionate Mind Program on the Psychological Symptoms of Mothers of Individuals With Down Syndrome”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, vol. 6, no. 6, Dec. 2025, pp. 622-8, doi:10.47582/jompac.1742867.
Vancouver
1.Bahar Akoğlu. The effect of the compassionate mind program on the psychological symptoms of mothers of individuals with Down syndrome. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2025 Dec. 1;6(6):622-8. doi:10.47582/jompac.1742867

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