Search results

1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 26 June 2021

Gregg Harry Rawlings, Kevin Paul Wright, Keeley Rolling and Nigel Beail

Services are increasingly exploring the use of remote conferencing to deliver psychological interventions, which have become particularly important given the COVID-19 pandemic and…

Abstract

Purpose

Services are increasingly exploring the use of remote conferencing to deliver psychological interventions, which have become particularly important given the COVID-19 pandemic and infection control guidelines. This paper aims to explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of delivering psychological therapy remotely to adults with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Design/methodology/approach

As part of routine practice within an adult ID community health service, this paper develops a six-session programme based on compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and delivered it to six clients. Clients completed the psychological therapy outcome scale for ID 2nd edition, at assessment, pre- and post-therapy, as well as a feasibility and acceptability measure.

Findings

Six clients engaged in telephone therapy; four clients individually, while the remaining two were supported by their caregiver. Most clients found the intervention helpful, enjoyable and were pleased that they received telephone-delivered psychological therapy. A reduction was observed at post-therapy in distress (g = 0.33) and risk (g = 0.69). No difference was reported in psychological well-being. Five clients were subsequently discharged from psychological therapy.

Originality/value

To the knowledge, this is the first study examining the use of telephone therapy (including CFT) for individuals with ID. Findings add to the growing evidence suggesting individuals with ID can benefit from receiving adapted psychological therapies. Research is required to further explore the effectiveness of remote-therapies, who would most likely benefit from this approach and how remote treatments could be used within existing pathways.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 15 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2021

Jon Taylor and Kerensa Hocken

This paper aims to argue that to address those factors that contribute to the probability of offending, the origins of such factors should be understood, and interventions that…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that to address those factors that contribute to the probability of offending, the origins of such factors should be understood, and interventions that recognise the functional aspects of criminogenic capacities should be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a theoretical basis for trauma sensitive practice by providing an evolutionary understanding of human harmfulness alongside a summary of the impact of adversity and abuse on the developing child.

Findings

The paper proposes an overarching framework that uses compassion-focused therapy for risk reducing interventions with men who cause harm to others.

Practical implications

This paper encourages forensic practitioners to develop a trauma aware approach to intervention design and delivery. The paper provides an overview of a compassion-focused therapy as approach to intervention that conceptualises criminogenic capacities within a more holistic and functional framework.

Originality/value

Forensic interventions have been slow to assimilate evidence from adverse childhood experience research and have therefore been limited in their ability to address the functional origins of criminogenic need. This paper offers a framework that allows practitioners to address risk while also allowing individuals to process their own trauma and adversity.

Article
Publication date: 25 December 2023

Andy Busfield, Charlotte Peters and Karen McKenzie

This paper aims to describe and evaluate the impact of a compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe and evaluate the impact of a compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Design/methodology/approach

People with ID are commonly subjected to stigmatising experiences that can contribute to feelings of shame. CFT targets shame and self-criticism by helping people to cultivate self-compassion. There is evidence to suggest that CFT can be meaningfully adapted for people with ID. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a mixed-methods design, aiming to gain a rich evaluation of the CFT group. Eight adults with ID were referred by their local community psychology team. An 11-week group protocol was based on materials from previous research. The protocol included the development of a “compassion box”, aiming to make CFT concepts more concrete and tangible. Questionnaires measuring psychological distress, self-compassion and negative social comparisons were completed pre- and post-group. Feedback from participants and carers were collated and facilitators’ observations were recorded.

Findings

Questionnaire findings were mixed, and some participants found the measures difficult to understand. Participants’ qualitative feedback and facilitators’ observations suggested that the group created feelings of safety and connectedness whilst facilitating engagement and action with shame and self-criticism. Several participants highlighted the usefulness of the ‘”compassion box”, although some barriers were noted.

Originality/value

This paper provides a rich description of how group CFT can be adapted to meet the needs of adults with ID and is the first study of its kind, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to evaluate the incorporation of the “compassion box”.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2023

Bethany Roberts

This literature review aims to ascertain the outcomes and perspectives of community-based compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Abstract

Purpose

This literature review aims to ascertain the outcomes and perspectives of community-based compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A 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.

Findings

Two 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/value

This 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.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2022

Robert John Searle, Ianiv Borseti and Katy-May Price

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an adapted compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group treatment programme for individuals with an intellectual…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an adapted compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group treatment programme for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID), specifically aimed to help address maladaptive conceptualisations of masculinity.

Design/methodology/approach

Outcome measurements were competed at pre- and post-group and the effectiveness of the intervention were assessed using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Findings

Findings demonstrated that the treatment group showed significant differences in their “gender role conflict” subscales including the Success, Power, Control and “Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men” subscales; however, no significant differences were found on the Restrictive Emotionality or Conflicts Between Work and Leisure subscales. Furthermore, no significant differences were found on participants psychological well-being, psychological distress, anxiety, self-compassion or quality of life measures.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include that a lack of qualitative information regarding outcomes, a lack of control group and a small number of participants may have impacted the outcome of the research.

Practical implications

The Men’s Masculinity group had a positive impact on the participant’s sense of success, power and control, so it could be considered that this group enabled participants to feel more powerful and in control of their difficulties which is associated with the “drive” system of CFT.

Originality/value

Overall, this study adds to the small but growing literature that supports using CFT groups as a stand-alone psychological intervention when working with people with an ID.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Elaine Beaumont, Gillian Rayner, Mark Durkin and Gosia Bowling

The purpose of this paper is to examine pre and post outcome measures following a course of Compassionate Mind Training (CMT). Participants were students enrolled on a Post…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine pre and post outcome measures following a course of Compassionate Mind Training (CMT). Participants were students enrolled on a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP). The aim of the research was to explore whether CMT would increase self-compassion, compassion for others, dispositional empathy and reduce self-critical judgement.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 21 participants who had enrolled on the CBP programme took part in the study. Data were collected using the self-compassion scale, interpersonal reactivity index, and the compassion for others scale.

Findings

Results reveal an overall statistically significant increase in self-compassion scores and statistically significant reduction in self-critical judgement scores post training. There was no statistically significant difference post training on the interpersonal reactivity index or the compassion for others scale.

Research limitations/implications

CMT training may help students develop healthy coping strategies, which they can use to balance their affect regulation systems when faced with organisational, placement, client, academic, personal and supervision demands. Further research and longitudinal studies, using larger sample sizes are needed to explore if cultivating compassion whilst on psychotherapy training helps students build resilience and provide a barrier against empathic distress fatigue, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout.

Practical implications

Incorporating CMT into a CBP programme may bring changes in student levels of self-compassion and self-critical judgement.

Originality/value

This inaugural study examines whether incorporating CMT into a CBP programme impacts on students levels of compassion, dispositional empathy and self-critical judgement. The findings from this preliminary study suggest the potential benefits of training students in compassion focused practices.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Mark Hardiman, Corrina Willmoth and James J. Walsh

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) on anxiety in a small sample of adults with intellectual disability.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) on anxiety in a small sample of adults with intellectual disability.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods design was employed. Participants (n=3) completed questionnaire measures of anxiety and self-compassion on three occasions: pre-intervention, post-intervention and, at three months follow-up. Post-intervention, they also took part in recorded interviews that were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings were then synthesised to develop a comprehensive understanding of their overall experience.

Findings

Final data synthesis revealed five themes: participant anxiety decreased (reliable for all participants); the faulty self; improved positive compassionate attitudes; increased sense of common humanity; and mindful distraction techniques.

Research limitations/implications

This research paper offers in-depth analysis of three participants’ experiences rather than reporting in less detail about a larger number of participants. The self-compassion scale required considerable support and reasonable adaptation to be used with these clients.

Originality/value

Only two other studies have explored the use of CFT with people with intellectual disabilities.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Jon Taylor

The purpose of this paper is to describe practices associated with compassion focussed therapy (CFT) in a secure forensic setting for men with a learning disability and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe practices associated with compassion focussed therapy (CFT) in a secure forensic setting for men with a learning disability and personality disorder. The values of this model for both therapeutic work and the organisation of residential practices in a secure setting are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a conceptual discussion of the use of CFT with an offender population.

Findings

The paper describes the use of CFT as a framework for working with offenders with an intellectual disability and personality disorder. The paper discusses the organisation of service practices alongside more formal therapeutic interventions.

Practical implications

CFT offers a unique integrated model for working with offenders. The core CFT model invites staff teams to consider the safety seeking aspects of challenging behaviours and to understand these behaviours in the context of evolved threat processing mechanisms. The focus on emotional processing that is central to the model invites services to develop deep understanding of the functions of violence and other offending behaviours and to balance work in these areas alongside the development of capacities that offer individuals methods for effective emotional regulation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique discussion point for the organisation of forensic services for this population. The consideration of the wider social context of offender rehabilitation in terms of the residential settings, and the juxtaposition of this with formal treatments is rarely considered.

Details

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3841

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2021

Michael Clark, Andy Bradley, Laura Simms, Benna Waites, Alister Scott, Charlie Jones, Paul Dodd, Tom Howell and Giles Tinsley

This paper aims to discuss the importance of compassion in health care and experiences of Compassion Circles (CCs) in supporting it, placing this into the national policy context…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the importance of compassion in health care and experiences of Compassion Circles (CCs) in supporting it, placing this into the national policy context of the National Health Service (NHS), whilst focusing on lessons from using the practice in mental health care.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is a discussion of the context of compassion in health care and a description of model and related concepts of CCs. This paper also discusses lessons from implementation of CCs in mental health care.

Findings

CCs were developed from an initial broad concern with the place of compassion and well-being in communities and organisations, particularly in health and social care after a number of scandals about failures of care. Through experience CCs have been refined into a flexible model of supporting staff in mental health care settings. Experience to date suggests they are a valuable method of increasing compassion for self and others, improving relationships between team members and raising issues of organisational support to enable compassionate practice.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a discussion of CCs and their conceptual underpinnings and of insights and lessons from their adoption to date, and more robust evaluation is required.

Practical implications

As an emergent area of practice CCs have been seen to present a powerful and practical approach to supporting individual members of staff and teams. Organisations and individuals might wish to join the community of practice that exists around CCs to consider the potential of this intervention in their workplaces and add to the growing body of learning about it. It is worth further investigation to examine the impact of CCs on current concerns with maintaining staff well-being and engagement, and, hence, on stress, absence and the sustainability of work environments over time.

Social implications

CCs present a promising means of developing a culture and practice of more compassion in mental health care and other care contexts.

Originality/value

CCs have become supported in national NHS guidance and more support to adopt, evaluate and learn from this model is warranted. This paper is a contribution to developing a better understanding of the CCs model, implementation lessons and early insights into impact.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2013

Angela Kennedy

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the novel use of the compassion focused formulation framework, to give thought to the ways that staff can be distracted from their…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the novel use of the compassion focused formulation framework, to give thought to the ways that staff can be distracted from their primary task. It aims to examine systemic ideas for supporting staff to be effective and compassionate in their mental health care.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a reflective piece using qualitative data and experience to frame the information.

Findings

Staff have a variety of ways of coping with the stress of their work and some of these ways are more helpful than others. The formulation framework creates a helpful structure for understanding these strategies in a non‐blaming way. This facilitates reflective practice and the model points to ways that compassionate organisations can help staff in their primary task.

Originality/value

The CFT formulation has not been applied systemically in the literature to organisations or groups of staff.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000