The development of self-compassion and mindfulness as a possible intervention for weight loss

The present thesis aimed to explore potential weight loss using Self- Compassion and Mindfulness. Interested in the Greek population due to increasing rates of obesity (see Panagiotakos et aI., 2004), this thesis starts with a chapter of translations of the Self-Compassion and Mindfulness scales and psychometric evaluations of the Greek versions (i.e., Chapter 2).The Greek versions were shown to be reliable and valid measures. Chapter 3 investigated the relationship of Self-Compassion and Mindfulness traits to weight differences in a stressful environment, and whether relationships of constructs that promote weight loss failure (e .g ., automatic thoughts) are mediated through the presence of Self-Compassion and Mindfulness traits. Higher scores in Self-Compassion and Mindfulness related to more lost weight, and the re lationship of constructs that predicted weight loss failure were intervened by Self-Compass ion and Mindfulness. Chapter 4 aimed to detennine whether and how Mindfulness and SelfCompassion relate to maladaptive eating attitudes, 8M[, and self-control. Further, meditation practices were used to explore if Mindfulness and Self-Compassion - isolated and combined predict weight loss, and questioned through follow-ups whether lost weight and learned meditat ions are maintained. Those who displayed higher scores in Self-Compassion and Mindfulness showed less maladaptive eating att itudes and more adaptive self-control. Furthe r, resu lts indicated that Self-Compassion with Mind fulness assisted more weight loss than Mindfulness and control conditions.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo