The Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion-Based Therapy on Reducing Internalized Shame and Increasing Perception of Social Support and Psychological Well-Being in People with Sexually Diverse Orientation

Transgender individuals and people with diverse sexual orientations frequently experience unique psychological challenges associated with stigma, discrimination, minority stress, social rejection, and internalized negative beliefs. Among these challenges, internalized shame is considered one of the most influential psychological factors affecting self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and overall psychological functioning. At the same time, perceived social support represents an important protective factor that can reduce the adverse effects of minority stress and enhance psychological well-being. The present study aimed to propose a structural model examining the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing internalized shame and increasing perceived social support and psychological well-being among transgender individuals. The study further sought to investigate the mediating roles of internalized shame and perceived social support in explaining the relationship between psychological interventions and psychological well-being. This study was conducted among transgender individuals living in Qom, Iran. A comparative quantitative design based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed. The sample consisted of ۱۲۰ transgender individuals from Qom City, who were randomly assigned into four groups: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) (n=۳۰), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) (n=۳۰), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (n=۳۰), and a control group (n=۳۰). Data were collected at pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up stages using standardized measures of internalized shame, perceived social support, and psychological well-being. The expected findings indicate that all three interventions would significantly reduce internalized shame and improve perceived social support and psychological well-being compared with the control group. Compassion-Focused Therapy is expected to demonstrate stronger effects on reducing shame and self-criticism, while Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may show greater effectiveness in enhancing psychological flexibility. The proposed structural model is expected to demonstrate significant direct and indirect pathways, confirming that reductions in internalized shame and increases in perceived social support mediate the positive effects of psychological interventions on psychological well-being. The proposed model provides an integrated framework for understanding the psychological mechanisms through which mindfulness-, compassion-, and acceptance-based interventions improve mental health outcomes among transgender individuals. Findings from this model may contribute to the development of culturally responsive psychotherapy programs, affirmative mental health services, and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing psychological disparities and enhancing quality of life in gender-diverse populations.

کلیدواژه ها:

Mindfulness-Based Therapy ، Self-Compassion ، Internalized Shame ، Perceived Social Support ، Psychological Well-Being