Abstract
Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by identity formation and increased sensitivity to interpersonal relationships. During this period, individuals may engage in self-silencing, which is the repression of ideas, feelings, and personal needs in order to preserve harmony in relationships, may occur during this time (Jack & Dill, 1992). Self-silencing is connected to negative psychological effects, such as identity discomfort, anxiety, and depression, even though it may have short-term social benefits (Cramer & Thoms, 2003; Harper & Welsh, 2007). When adolescents struggle to develop a cohesive sense of self, a crucial developmental task outlined in Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, identity difficulty arises (Erikson, 1968). Compassion-based interventions, particularly the Compassionate Mind Program (CMP), have demonstrated effectiveness in improving emotional regulation and psychological well-being (Gilbert, 2009). However, research examining their impact on adolescents, especially in non-Western contexts, remains limited (Leaviss & Uttley, 2015). The aim of this study is to investigate whether an eight-week CMP will assist adolescents who suffer from identity discomfort and self-silencing. 60 adolescents who's ages of 13 and 18 years will selected from higher secondary schools will participate in a pre-test–post-test randomized controlled trial. Participants who score high on the Silencing the Self Scale (STSS) and identity distress scale will be randomized to either the experimental group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). Identity distress will be measured using the Identity Distress Scale (IDS). The intervention will consist of weekly 40–45 minute sessions incorporating psycho-education, compassionate imagery, self-compassion training, and emotional expression techniques From the pre-test to the post-test, the experimental group is expected to show a significant reduction in identity discomfort and self-silencing. Additionally, females are expected to report higher baseline levels of self-silencing and identity distress compared to males. By evaluating a culturally appropriate school-based intervention to support adolescent Self Silencing and identity development, this study seeks to close a significant gap.
Keywords: Self Silencing, Identity Distress, Compassionate Mind Program