BALANCE*: A self-compassion program to support well-being in the transition to parenthood *Building Awareness, Loving-Kindness, Acceptance, and Nurturance for Compassionate Engagement

The transition to parenthood can be profound, often accompanied by stress, uncertainty, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Self-compassion, treating oneself with kindness during difficult moments, may enhance well-being in new parents. However, existing interventions are often hard to access due to time constraints, costs, or limited availability. This project evaluates an accessible, online self-compassion program for first-time parents. The four-week training is offered through a website. A randomized controlled trial with 100 expectant parents assesses its effectiveness using a mixed-methods approach. Findings will contribute to the development of scalable digital support for mental well-being during early parenthood.