COM-PAST-SION: ACCEPTABILITY AND EFFICACY OF A COMPOUND SELF-COMPASSION-BASED DIGITAL WORKBOOK AS THERAPY FOR SELF-CRITICAL RUMINATION

Abstract

Self-critical rumination is a subtype of self-criticism and rumination, defined as a persistent focus on self-critical thoughts. The current study sought to evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of a compound self-compassion-based digital workbook in reducing self-critical rumination. Forty-seven senior high school students from General De Jesus College who exhibited high levels of self-critical rumination completed ten intervention sessions over a three-week period using Google Classroom. Data were collected through online surveys and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Acceptability was assessed using quantitative measures through the Product Feedback Scale (PFS) and qualitative feedback via open-ended questions. Efficacy was examined by comparing within-group changes in self-critical rumination using the Self-Critical Rumination Scale (SCRS) and self-compassion using the Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS-SF), along with their corresponding effect sizes. High average ratings were observed on the overall acceptability scale at post-intervention (M = 4.32), as well as across all subscales: agreeableness (M = 4.51), helpfulness (M = 4.51), applicability (M = 4.38), enjoyableness (M = 4.29), understanding (M = 4.23), easiness (M = 4.23), and commitment (M = 4.09). Post-treatment analyses revealed statistically significant differences between pre- and post-intervention assessments, with large effect sizes for reductions in self-critical rumination (p < .001; r = 0.92) and increases in self-compassion (p < .001; r = 0.98). The findings provided evidence for the acceptability and efficacy of a compound self-compassion-based digital workbook in reducing self-critical rumination among senior high school students. However, modifications to the intervention may be necessary to address challenges such as late submissions. Future studies may also examine the intervention using a randomized controlled trial design.