Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of short-term focused and loving-kindness meditations on guilt and prosocial reparative behaviour.
Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and a follow-up with a control group to investigate the effectiveness of interventions on guilt, and a pretest-posttest design with a control group to investigate the effectiveness of interventions on prosocial reparative behaviour. The statistical population was female students of Shahed University in the 1402-1403 academic year. 114 people were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to the experimental (n=76) and control (n=38) groups. Using the protocol (scenario and reminder), guilt was induced in the participants, and then experimental groups received focused meditation and loving-kindness meditation for a 20-minute session. To collect data, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53), State Shame and Guilt Scale (SSGS) and prosocial reparative behaviour measurement scenario were used. Data were analysed using analysis of variance.
Results: Both interventions significantly reduced guilt and prosocial reparative behaviour (P<0.05); However, focused meditation was more effective in reducing reparative behaviour; There was no significant difference in reducing guilt.
Conclusion: Professionals can use these short-term interventions to reduce guilt and prosocial reparative behaviour