Abstract
ObjectivesSelf-criticism is a transdiagnostic process that is receiving increased research attention. This uncontrolled pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a novel intervention based on Compassion Focused Therapy to reduce self-criticism, as well as investigating changes in a range of outcome and process measures.
Methods
Twenty-three student participants with significant impaired functioning associated with high levels of self-criticism completed a six-session formulation-focused intervention and a two- month follow-up appointment. Sessions were delivered weekly and the majority of techniques focused on increasing self-compassion. Self-report outcome and process measures were collected weekly prior to each session. Acceptability was assessed through qualitative feedback and rating scales.
Results
The intervention was feasible in terms of recruitment and retention of participants, and both the assessment methods and intervention were acceptable to participants. One way repeated measure ANOVAs showed statistically significant differences between pre and post- intervention on outcome measures (self-critical thinking, functional impairment, depression, anxiety, self-esteem and unhealthy perfectionism) and process measures (self-compassion, unhelpful beliefs about emotions and emotion regulation strategies). Participants either continued to improve between post-intervention and follow-up, or the gains were maintained between these two time points for all outcome measures. Effect sizes were medium to large for all outcome and process measures at both post-intervention and follow-up. Pearson correlations indicated that reductions in self-criticism were associated with increases in self- compassion suggesting it could be investigated further as a possible mediator of treatment outcome.
Conclusions
The compassion-focused intervention showed preliminary evidence of effectiveness for self- critical students and was a feasible and acceptable treatment approach. This intervention now requires investigation in a randomised controlled trial.
| Date of Award | 1 Sept 2016 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Katharine Rimes (Supervisor), Marion Cuddy (Supervisor), Laura Goldstein (Supervisor) & David Matthews (Supervisor) |