Compassion-focused Therapy Research Articles

Integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy With Compassion-Focused Therapy for the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: An Evidence-Based Case Study

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for social anxiety disorder that has been found to elicit significant changes in process-based mechanisms (e.g., emotion regulation strategies), which subsequently lead to reductions in social anxiety and associated functional impairment; however, CBT may be less effective for socially anxious individuals experiencing high self-criticism and low self-compassion. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has been used to address these tendencies in socially anxious individuals, but research in this area is limited. The present case study examined changes in social anxiety symptoms, self-compassion, emotion regulation strategies, and functional impairment throughout the course of treatment with a young, Chinese American woman using a novel integration of CBT and CFT for social anxiety disorder. The client experienced significant reductions in social anxiety and functional impairment across treatment, which was accompanied by reductions in fear and avoidance ratings for feared social scenarios. Significant mechanistic changes were also observed, including decreases in maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., suppression, rumination) and increases in self-compassion and adaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive engagement, cognitive reappraisal). Findings support the efficacy of integrating compassion-focused strategies with CBT for social anxiety for a young adult with prominent tendencies of self-criticism and low self-compassion.

Position paper - CFT for psychosis.

This paper outlines the theoretical and empirical basis for compassion focused therapy (CFT) for psychosis, the gaps in the current knowledge and research, as well as some of the challenges for addressing gaps. It will guide the direction of future work and the steps needed to develop and advance this approach. This paper reviews evidence of how evolutionary models such as social rank theory and attachment theory have greatly contributed to our understanding of psychosis and provide a clear rationale and evidence base for the mechanisms of change in CFT for psychosis. It reviews the evidence for outcomes of compassion training more generally, and early feasibility evaluations of CFT for psychosis. The process evidence shows that people with psychosis have highly active social rank and threat systems, and the benefits of switching into attachment and care systems, which can support emotion regulation and integrative mind states. The outcomes evidence shows that compassion training impacts not only psychological outcomes, but also physiological outcomes such as neural circuits, immune system, and the autonomic nervous system. Within the psychosis field, outcomes research is still in the early days, but there are good indications of feasibility and a clear path forward for the next steps. CFT for psychosis is an approach that integrates biopsychosocial processes, an integration that's evidenced across each aspect of the model, from theoretical foundations (evolution-informed) to interventions (e.g., body/breath training and relational techniques), to evaluation. Future RCTs are required to understand the effects on biopsychosocial outcomes for people with psychosis.

Effect of Compassion-focused Therapy on Depression, anxiety, Stress, and Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Trial

Objectives Cancer is a chronic and life-threatening disease. More than 50% of patients with cancer suffer from some psychological disorders. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a new approach in psychology. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CFT on some Pychological Sympthoms and quality of life of cancer patients. Methods This is a randomized clinical trial with a pre-test-post-test design. Thirty cancer patients referred to the chemotherapy ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran, were selected by a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received CFT for 8 weeks. All participants were assessed by self-compassion scale (SCS), depression anxiety stress (DASS), and EORTC QLQ-C30 before, immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)with SPSS software, version 23. Results Anxiety, depression, and stress were significantly reduced in the intervention group in the post-test and follow-up phases (P<0.01). the quality of life significantly increased after treatment compared to the control group. Conclusion CFT can be an effective treatment for reducing depression, anxiety, and stress and improving the QoL of patients with cancer.

Exploration of Evolution-Informed Compassion-Focused Therapy and Buddhist Approaches to Insight Meditation: A Three-Way Exploration

This paper explores the overlap and relationship between Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) as an evolution-informed, biopsychosocial approach to the mind and two Buddhist approaches to the development of insight and meditation. We present this exploration in terms of a three-way exposition between PG (Paul Gilbert), a clinical psychologist and compassion-focused therapist, MH (Malcolm Huxter), also a clinical psychologist and long-term meditation practitioner, primarily in the Theravada Buddhist traditions, and CH (Choden), a long-term meditation practitioner and monastic of Mahayana Buddhism. We share overlapping but different approaches to the processes of insight, understanding, and the training of compassion.

Using cognitive and behavioural strategies to support a man with mild–moderate learning disabilities navigate the dual process model of grief: A clinical case study

AbstractBackgroundPeople with learning disabilities experience bereavement in the same emotionally overwhelming way as the general population. The Dual‐Process Model of grief is characterised by the oscillation between Loss‐Orientation and Restoration‐Orientation. These processes involve experiencing and accepting the emotional pain of grief (Loss‐Orientation) and adapting to a new world without the deceased person (Restoration‐Orientation).MethodsA single case study sought to explore how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) principles can be used to support people with a learning disability to navigate the grieving process, as understood by the Dual‐Process Model.FindingsThis case study describes CBT formulation and assessment, and implementation of CBT and CFT strategies in a man with Williams syndrome, demonstrating improvements in mood, and a greater ability to turn towards suffering and experience both Loss‐ and Restoration‐Oriented processing.ConclusionCBT and CFT may be useful and appropriate modalities for clinicians to consider when supporting people with a learning disability to navigate loss, as understood through the Dual Process Model.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for the reduction of the self-stigma of mental disorders: the COMpassion for Psychiatric disorders, Autism and Self-Stigma (COMPASS) study protocol for a randomized controlled study

BackgroundPeople with mental disorders face frequent stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors from others. Importantly, they can internalize such negative attitudes and thus self-stigmatize. Self-stigma is involved in diminished coping skills leading to social avoidance and difficulties in adhering to care. Reducing self-stigma and its emotional corollary, shame, is thus crucial to attenuate the negative outcomes associated with mental illness. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy that targets shame reduction and hostile self-to-self relationship and allows for symptom improvement while increasing self-compassion. Although shame is a prominent part of the concept of self-stigma, the efficacy of CFT has never been evaluated in individuals with high levels of self-stigma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a group-based CFT program on self-stigma, compared to a psychoeducation program for self-stigma (Ending Self-Stigma) and to treatment as usual (TAU). We hypothesize that diminished shame and emotional dysregulation and increased self-compassion will mediate the relationship between self-stigma improvements post-therapy in the experimental group.MethodsThis seven-center trial will involve 336 participants diagnosed with a severe mental illness and/or autism spectrum disorder and reporting high levels of self-stigma. Participants will be randomized into one of three treatment arms: 12 week-treatment of compassion-focused therapy (experimental arm), 12 week-treatment of Psychoeducation (active control arm), and TAU (treatment as usual—passive control arm). The primary outcome is the decrease of self-stigma scores on a self-report scale, i.e., ISMI, at 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints include sustainability of self-stigma scores (ISMI) and self-reported scores regarding target psychological dimensions, e.g., shame and emotional regulation, social functioning, and psychiatric symptoms. Assessments are scheduled at pretreatment, post-treatment (at 12 weeks), and at 6-month follow-up. Acceptability will be evaluated via (i) the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire at T0, (ii) the Consumer Satisfaction Questionnaire for Psychotherapeutic Services posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up, (iii) attendance, and (iv) dropout rates.DiscussionThis study will evaluate the potential efficacy and acceptability of a group-based CFT program on the decrease of self-stigma and thereby contribute to the continuing development of evidence-based therapeutic interventions for the internalized stigma of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05698589. Registered on January 26, 2023

Community-based compassion-focussed therapy for adults with an intellectual disability: a literature review

PurposeThis literature review aims to ascertain the outcomes and perspectives of community-based compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for adults with intellectual disabilities.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive search of five databases was conducted systematically, with one additional study identified manually, yielding eight relevant studies. Methodological quality was appraised using two tools to account for heterogeneity in study designs.FindingsTwo studies conducted a CFT-derived task while six studies conducted full CFT interventions, of which two delivered group interventions. Qualitative findings were favourable towards CFT, though some quantitative outcomes were inconsistent across the literature and with qualitative results. It is concluded that CFT is perceived as valuable and appears to produce positive outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. However, larger, randomised control trials are required to establish CFT as an efficacious, evidence-based intervention.Originality/valueThis review provides insight into the outcomes and perspectives of CFT for individuals with an intellectual disability which has not been explicitly explored prior. Therefore, a holistic and specific examination of community-based CFT for individuals with intellectual disabilities is introduced to the literature.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Compassion-Focused Therapy to Treat the Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment in People With Psychiatric Disorders in France.

Childhood maltreatment contributes to the development of psychiatric disorders. Shame appears to be an important mediating factor. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) targets shame and seems relevant for adults with hard-to-treat psychiatric disorders associated with childhood maltreatment. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the feasibility and relevance of group CFT for this population and none in a French routine care setting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of group CFT for psychiatric disorders associated with childhood maltreatment. Eight adult patients with a history of childhood maltreatment participated in the 12-session group CFT. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via a standardized satisfaction questionnaire, dropout rates, and attendance. Clinical benefits were assessed via changes in scores on scales of self-compassion, shame, and psychopathological dimensions. Adherence to therapy (75%) and attendance (88.3%) were high, and all participants reported high satisfaction. Posttreatment, self-compassion significantly increased (p = 0.016), and depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic scores decreased. Our study is the first to show that transdiagnostic group CFT (difficult-to-treat psychiatric disorders associated with a history of child maltreatment) is feasible in a French routine care setting. Changes in clinical scale scores after the intervention suggest the clinical value of the intervention and encourage further research of its effectiveness.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Emotion Regulation Training on Cognitive Flexibility and the Feeling of Loneliness in Substance-Dependent Individuals Self-Referring to the Welfare Organization

Comparing the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Emotion Regulation Training on Cognitive Flexibility and the Feeling of Loneliness in Substance-Dependent Individuals Self-Referring to the Welfare Organization

The effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy in helping attitudes and work-related flow of autism child mentors

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental neurological disorder that threatens individuals’ social interactions and communication by limiting their activities and personal interests. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy in helping attitudes and the work-related flow of autism child mentors in the rehabilitation centers of Mazandaran, Iran. Method: The research method was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest, control group, follow-up design. The sample population included all male and female mentors of autistic children in the rehabilitation centers of Mazandaran in 2020. In total, 30 mentors were selected by voluntary sampling and divided into a test and a control group by simple random sampling (15 per group). Eight sessions of therapeutic intervention were provided to the study groups. Post-test and follow-ups were conducted for both groups after therapy. Data were collected using Nickell’s Helping Attitude Scale (1998) and Bakker’s Work-Related Flow Scale (2008). Data analysis covariance analysis was performed in SPSS version 25. Results: Findings demonstrated a significant difference between the mean scores of the test and control groups regarding helping attitudes and work-related flow among autism child mentors in the post-test stage (p<0.01). Further, compassion-focused therapy was effective in helping attitudes (0.84) and work-related flow (0.91) of autism child mentors. Conclusion: Results indicate that compassion-focused therapy can potentially improve helping attitudes and the work-related flow of autism mentors in different situations. Therefore, incorporating this educational intervention into the rehabilitation agenda of these mentors appears to be quite beneficial.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Approach and Compassion-focused Therapy on Emotional Cognitive Regulation and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Female Head of Households

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of solutionfocused approach and compassion-focused therapy on emotional cognitive regulation and post-traumatic stress disorder in female-headed households.
 Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental having pre-test and posttest with a control group. The statistical population included female-headed households who referred to the Welfare Center of Tehran province in 2021. Thirty-six female-headed households were selected through simple random sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 12 (two experimental groups and one control group). The research instruments were Mississippi (2006) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale and Garnfsky, Grich & Spinhaven (2002) Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Participants in the experimental group received Grant’s (2011) Solution-focused counseling sessions and Gilbert’s (2010) Compassionate Therapy sessions, both for 8 sessions. In addition to descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance and Benferoni pair comparison were used to analyze the data
 Findings: The results of data analysis showed that the differences between the three groups in the variables of adaptive emotion regulation (F=30.61, P <0.001), uncompromising emotion regulation (F=22.73, P<0.001) and post-traumatic stress disorder (F=37.45, P <0.001), is significant. There is no significant difference between solution-focused therapy and compassion-focused therapy on the regulation of compromised emotion and post-traumatic stress disorder, but there is a significant difference in the noncompromised variable.
 Conclusion: The findings of this study shows that solution-focused therapy and compassion-focused therapy were both effective in improving cognitive emotion regulation and stress disorder (PTSD), and of the two approaches can be used to reduce emotional regulation and post-traumatic stress disorder in female-headed Households.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Enriched with Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) on Psychological Distress in Patients under Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)

Introduction: Mental problems caused by opioid addiction or drug withdrawal can increase the risk of relapse in methadone maintenance treatment. The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy enriched with compassion-focused therapy on the effect of sertraline and venlafaxine on patients' psychological distress under methadone maintenance treatment.
 Method: This study was a clinical trial with a pre-test and post-test design. Forty patients under methadone maintenance treatment were selected by voluntary sampling and randomly divided into two groups. The first group received acceptance and commitment therapy enriched with compassion-focused therapy and venlafaxine, and the second group received acceptance and commitment therapy enriched with compassion-focused therapy and sertraline for intervention days. The patients were evaluated based on the anxiety, stress, and depression questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the paired t-test and analysis of covariance at a significance level of 0.01.
 Results: Both venlafaxine, and sertraline plus acceptance and commitment therapy enriched with compassion-focused therapy, were influential on psychological distress and its dimensions (depression, anxiety, and stress) (P<0.001). Sertraline had a more significant effect on psychological distress, and anxiety than venlafaxine (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed between them on depression and stress (p>0.05).
 Conclusion: Sertraline is more effective than Venlafaxine in controlling psychological symptoms in methadone maintenance treatment.

A mixed methods evaluation of a compassion‐focused therapy group intervention for people with an intellectual disability

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the use of a Compassion‐Focused Therapy (CFT) group as a psychological intervention for a group of adults with an intellectual disability with a range of psychological issues.MethodFour clients attended the group, which was facilitated by three trainee Clinical Psychologists. The group consisted of 8 weekly sessions.FindingsStandardised outcome measures showed an increase in psychological well‐being and self‐compassion for all participants postintervention. Two participants showed an increase in psychological distress, while two participants reported decreases in this area. Scores on measures of self‐criticism fell for two participants, increased for one participant and showed no change for one participant. Qualitative interviews were conducted with postgroup with all group members (clients and facilitators). Thematic analysis identified two superordinate themes relating to the accessibility of the group content, and interpersonal aspects of the group.ConclusionThe results suggest that clients enjoyed and benefitted from the group. Challenges, such as lack of carer involvement, were identified, and recommendations for future CFT groups are made.

Psychiatric nurses' perception of dignity in patients who attempted suicide.

Maintaining the dignity of patients who attempted suicide is one of the caregivers' main ethical duties. Yet, in many cases, these patients are not treated with dignity. The concept of dignity is abstract, and there is no research on the dignity of suicidal patients. So, the present study is done to investigate psychiatric nurses' perception of dignity in patients who attempted suicide. The present study explores the concept of dignity in patients who attempted suicide from the perspective of psychiatric nurses. The present study is a qualitative, descriptive work of research. A total of 20 psychiatric nurses from 2 hospitals affiliated with a university of medical sciences in the southeast of Iran were selected via purposeful sampling. The Research Ethics Committee of the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences approved the study's protocol, and ethical principles were followed in general. From the findings of the study, three main themes, namely " respect for personal; identity," "management of psychological tension," and "compassion-focused therapy," with 12 sub-themes were extracted. In the perspective of caregivers, patients who attempted suicide need to be cared for in supportive environments with compassionate and respectful behaviors to control their psychological tensions. These conditions would maintain such patients' dignity and result in appropriate behavioral outcomes. Policy-makers and administrators can use the present study's findings to create an appropriate clinical environment in which the dignity of patients who attempted suicide is properly maintained.

The Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Focused Therapy on Cognitive Vulnerability to Depression.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of self-compassion-focused therapy on cognitive vulnerability to depression as one of the causes of the onset or recurrence of depressive episodes in people who were not depressed at the time of the research but were cognitively susceptible to depression. Method : The statistical population included all students of Bu-Ali Sina University in 2020. The sample was selected through the available sampling method. First, 52 people were screened, and finally, by random assignment, 20 people were placed in the experimental group and 20 people in the control group. The experimental group underwent compassion-focused therapy for eight 90-minutes-long sessions. The instruments included the Attributional Style Questionnaire, the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, the Cognitive Triad Inventory, the Self-Esteem Scale, and the 2ⁿᵈ edition Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed that self-compassion-focused therapy was effective in terms of cognitive vulnerability to depression (P < 0.01, F = 22.78), dysfunctional attitudes (P < 0.01, F = 15.53), self-esteem (P < 0.01, F = 30.07), general attribution style for negative events (P < 0.01, F = 11.41), stable attribution style for negative events (P < 0.01, F = 14.48) and internal attribution style for negative events (P < 0.01, F = 12.45). Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that self-compassion-focused therapy can reduce cognitive vulnerability to depression. It seems that this has been achieved through the regulation of emotional systems and the increase of mindfulness, which leads to the reduction of safety-seeking behaviors and the modification of cognitive patterns that take place around the axis of the compassionate mind.

Efficacy of Compassion Focused Therapy for Managing Skin Shaming of Acne in Young Women

People are socially evaluated from face as ugly/beautiful. So person with acne isolate themselves from social gathering because of fear of stigmatized as unattractive. This social rejection leads them towards skin shaming of acne. Previous studies were not giving much importance to psychological impact of acne; just dermatological treatment was focus of attention. Objectives: To find a short duration but effective therapy to manage skin shaming of acne in young women. To test the efficacy of Compassion Focused Therapy on managing skin shaming of acne in young women. Methods: The research was an experimental study with sample of 64 young women of 18-25 years. 32 young women are allocated to therapy group and 32 women are allocated to control group. Data were collected at three time intervals of pre-therapy, post-therapy and follow-up. SPSS 21.0 version was used for data analysis. Results: Results clearly indicated significant reduction of skin shaming due to acne of young women from pre-therapy to post-therapy and also from pre-therapy to follow up. When therapy group women data compared with control group women data, conforms our objectives of study that that compassion focused therapy is effective and efficient therapy to manage skin shaming of acne in young women. Conclusion: Compassion Focused Therapy is successful therapy to manage skin shaming of acne in young women.

Compassion as a Framework for Creating Individual and Group-Level Wellbeing in the Classroom: New Directions

AbstractThe success of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) interventions is thought to rely on teacher social emotional competency, student-teacher relationships, and the readiness of the school environment. From an evolutionary motivational systems perspective, an underlying driver behind these aspects is the motivational state of students and teachers. Providing a foundational framework for supporting SEL development may be a critical differentiating factor in successfully incorporating SEL into curriculum to enhance individual and group-level wellbeing. This article presents compassion as a motivational framework that can be used to support SEL. We review theoretical perspectives and empirical research applying compassion to help regulate emotional experience and provide a series of possible suggestions on how to integrate compassion into classrooms. Specifically, we provide a series of suggestions on how compassion can help with student and staff wellbeing. A compassionate approach to establishing a positive classroom environment and incorporating simple activities adapted from compassion-focused therapy may provide a baseline conducive context in which SEL is accepted and thrives.

I-TREAT: Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) in Danish Adolescents and Adults – Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionEating disorders severely impair psychosocial functioning, physical health, and quality of life. In particular, Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric diseases. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders have the highest lifetime prevalence with weighted means of 7.64% for women. Eating disorders are considered hard-to-treat, and studies have indicated that people suffering from eating disorders prefer low-threshold interventions compared to traditional mental health care. International studies show promising results of internet-based interventions for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders.ObjectivesTo test the effectiveness of an internet-based psychologist-guided cognitive behavioral treatment program (I-TREAT) to reduce eating disorder symptoms in Danish adolescents and adults with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial with two arms: 1) an intervention group and 2) an active control group. Participants are adolescents from the age of 15 or above, as well as adults, diagnosed with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders. The intervention group receives the I-TREAT program while the control group receives self-guided mindfulness exercises. I-TREAT comprises 12 text-based treatment sessions with psychoeducation and treatment-related tasks, based on cognitive behavioral therapy and elements of compassion-focused therapy. The treatment duration is approximately 12 to 36 weeks. Videos, pictures, and animations support the treatment content and the program is accessible by web-browser and app. A specialist in eating disorders guides the patient through treatment with task-related feedback and asynchronous written communication. Patients will answer questionnaires regarding eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, and motivational states before, during, and after treatment, with follow-up measures at 3, 6, and 12 months. We expect to include 63 patients to each group and commence recruitment in August 2023. Preliminary results from a feasibility study on I-TREAT show good evaluations from clinicians and patients (N=30).ResultsNo results have yet been obtained. The results will be submitted to international scientific journals and presented at conferences.ConclusionsThe internet-based cognitive behavioral treatment program I-TREAT may be a promising tool for effectively treating adolescents and adults with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders in Denmark.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

자비중심치료 개관연구

The purpose of this study is to overview of Compassion Focused Therapy and the characteristics of the program, to suggest the application plan and research direction of domestic cognitive behavioral therapy, and to provide a theoretical basis that can be applied to clients with various psychological problems. and to provide practical assistance in counseling. To this end, this study reviewed previous studies based on the theory of compassion-centered therapy, and reviewed the core concepts of the theory and the characteristics of the program. The conclusion is as follows. First, Compassion Focused Therapy can be applied to people who have high levels of shame and self-blame, who tend to have chronic psychological problems, and who have difficulty or fear of self-gentleness and self-acceptance. Second, Compassion Focused Therapy targets self-criticism and shame, and seeks to enhance a sense of belonging, especially the ability to experience self-generating and self-centered belonging. Third, the Compassion-centered treatment program utilizes the emotional control system to expand and maintain the compassionate mind within oneself. Fourth, compassion-centered therapy can help to increase personal psychological well-being by extending self-compassion and meaning of life to clients with self-criticism in the field of cognitive behavioral therapy and reducing negative emotions. This study is significant in that it contributed to the development of clinical application and counseling research in domestic cognitive behavioral therapy by reviewing compassion-centered therapy and identifying research trends.

Compassion and gender diversity: evaluation of an online compassion-focused therapy group in a gender service

ABSTRACT Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people may experience minority stress and internalised transnegativity, leading to increased psychological distress. Self-compassion has been suggested as a protective factor which can buffer against the impact of minority stress and stigma. This service evaluation study examined the outcomes of a novel compassion-focused therapy group intervention delivered online in a Gender Service. Twenty-one TGNC adults participated in the group and completed pre-group and post-group measures of psychological distress, internalised transnegativity, and compassion to self, to others, and from others. Participants had high levels of psychological distress and low levels of self-compassion pre-group. At the group level, there was a significant increase in levels of compassion to self and from others, and a significant decrease in pride (reverse scored) and alienation internalised transnegativity subscales. At an individual level, compassion to self and compassion from others were the most frequent areas where significant change was observed post-group. The compassion-focused therapy group appears to be effective in increasing levels of self-compassion and reducing aspects of internalised transnegativity, but without clear impact on psychological distress. This is preliminary evidence in support of the use of compassion-focused therapy groups within gender services, but further research is warranted and encouraged.