The Effectiveness of an Empowerment Package Based on Narrative Therapy Integrated with Masnavi Teachings on Self-Compassion in University Students Victimized by Cyberbullying

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an empowerment package based on narrative therapy integrated with Masnavi teachings on self-compassion in university students who are victims of cyberbullying. Methods and Materials: This study employed a mixed-methods design consisting of qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, the empowerment package was developed through research synthesis and thematic analysis grounded in narrative therapy. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group and a two-month follow-up was used. The sample consisted of 30 university students identified as victims of cyberbullying, selected purposively and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Cyber Victimization Questionnaire and the Self-Compassion Scale. The experimental group participated in ten 90-minute intervention sessions, and data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Findings: The results indicated a significant interaction effect between time and group on self-compassion (p < 0.05), demonstrating a statistically significant increase in self-compassion scores in the experimental group at posttest and follow-up compared to pretest, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Bonferroni post hoc comparisons confirmed significant differences between pretest and both posttest and follow-up in the experimental group, indicating sustained intervention effects. Conclusion: The empowerment package integrating narrative therapy with Masnavi teachings is an effective intervention for enhancing self-compassion among university students experiencing cyberbullying and offers a culturally grounded approach for psychological support in academic counseling settings.