None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Background: Self-compassion is a psychological skill associated with good mental health and adjustment to illness in the second half of life, but to date few self-compassion-based interventions have been developed specifically for use in midlife and older adult cohorts. Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a four-week group self-compassion-based intervention, designed to improve self-report and biological markers of well-being in midlife and older adult patients living with chronic illness. Methods: Treatment development drew on existing literature, expert input, and qualitative interview data. Patients in outpatient treatment for a chronic illness were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital to test feasibility. Participants attended a one-hour group self-compassion-based intervention once per week for four weeks. Feasibility was assessed on six domains. Measures of well-being and heart rate variability (HRV), an index of nervous system functioning, were also collected.
Interventions
The intervention was a four-week group self-compassion-based intervention, designed to improve self-report and biological markers of well-being in midlife and older adult patients living with chronic illness. Participants attended a one-hour face to face group self-compassion-based intervention once per week for four weeks. The intervention was delivered by healthcare professionals (clinical psychologist and occupational therapist). The overarching theme of the intervention was self-compassion.
The intervention was a four-week group self-compassion-based intervention, designed to improve self-report and biological markers of well-being in midlife and older adult patients living with chronic illness. Participants attended a one-hour face to face group self-compassion-based intervention once per week for four weeks. The intervention was delivered by healthcare professionals (clinical psychologist and occupational therapist). The overarching theme of the intervention was self-compassion. Each week explored a different facet of self-compassion including mindfulness (week 1), loving-kindness (week 2), self-compassion for the body and mind (week 3) and a concluding integration week + gratitude (week 4). To maintain fidelity, clinicians followed a course manual, including course content, discussion points and self-compassion related meditation scripts. Feasibility was assessed on six domains. Measures of well-being and heart rate variability (HRV), an index of nervous system functioning, were also collected. The intervention took place at a private rehabiliation hospital (The North Eastern Rehabilitation Centre).
Sponsors
Hallmark Aging Research Initiative, University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Eligibility criteria included i) being a North Eastern Rehabilitation Centre patient currently in treatment for a chronic medical condition, ii) age 40 and over, and iii) permission to participate from the treating physician.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria included i) a lack of conversational English, ii) presence of psychotic symptoms, and iii) a diagnosis of cognitive decline based on discussion with the treatment team.
Outcome results
None listed