Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on Self Compassion and Emotional Distress among Young Aged Divorced Women

Background: Low level of self-compassion and emotional distress are common significant problem in young aged divorced women. Cognitive behavioral intervention has been found to be effective in improving self-compassion and reducing emotional distress of divorced young aged women. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral intervention on self-compassion and emotional distress among young aged divorced women. Design: A quasi-experimental research design two groups (study and control group pre/ posttest) was used to achieve the study purpose. Setting: The study was carried out at family court of Shebin El-kom ,Menoufia Governorate, Egypt and government charitable institution which support divorcees Takaful and Karama charity and National Council for Women at Shebin El-Kom ,Menoufia branch. Sample: A convenience sample of (180) young aged divorced women (90 study group and 90 control group) was selected from the above-mentioned setting. Data collection Instruments: (1) Structured interview questionnaire, (2) Self-Compassion Scale: (3) Emotion Distress Scale. Results: Young divorced women in the study group who had high self-compassion were 17.28%, 35.6% and 72.6% on pre, post and follow up tests. Moreover, divorced women in the study group who had normal level of emotional distress increased from 25.5% on pre-intervention to 63.3% on post and follow up tests. Also, there was high negative significant correlation between emotional distress total mean score and total positive self-compassion mean score where p value (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The cognitive behavioral intervention has a positive effect on improving self-compassion and reducing emotional distress among young aged divorced women. Recommendations: Cognitive behavioral intervention should be provided to all young aged divorced women to enhance their self-compassion and psychological well-being.