Evaluation of a compassionate mind group for self-harming behaviour within a secondary mental health service

Abstract

ObjectivesThis service evaluation study aimed to evaluate a pilot Compassionate mind (CM) group for self-harming behaviour with participants experiencing mental health difficulties who struggled with shame and self-criticism.MethodsThe study was a within-subjects design using pre and post measures for five participants attending a 20 session CM group in a community mental health setting. Validated self-report questionnaires were administered before and after the group intervention and evaluation feedback questionnaires were given at the end of the group.ResultsThe data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test. There was a significant increase in ratings on the Self-compassion scale (SCS) (z=2.023 p<.043), a significant decrease in the depression (z=−2.032 p<.042), anxiety (z= −2.060 p<.039) and stress (z= −2.032 p<.042) subscales within the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), a significant decrease in The Other as Shamer Scale (OAS) (z=−2.023 p<.043) and decreases in impairment in functioning as measured by the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) (z=−2.023 p<.043). There was also a significant increase in reassured self (z=2.032 p<.042) and significant decreases in the inadequate self (z=2.023 p<.043) and hated self (z=2.070 p< .043) domains on the Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FCSRS) and in the self-persecution (z= −2.023 p<.043) and self-correcting (z=−2.023 p<.042) domains on the Functions of Self-Criticising/Attacking Scale (FSCS). Results should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size.ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary evidence that the pilot CM group for self-harming behaviour has a beneficial impact for participants around reductions in shame and self-criticism and increases in self-compassion, resulting in reductions in self-harm. Limitations, recommendations for improvement and future research are discussed.