Compassion-Focused Intervention for Highly Self-Critical Individuals: Pilot Study

Alexandra Rose, Ruth McIntyre, Katharine A. Rimes*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Self-criticism is a transdiagnostic process associated with a range of psychological problems. This uncontrolled pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a six-session intervention using methods from compassion-focused therapy to reduce self-criticism, as well as investigating changes in a range of outcome measures. Twenty-Three university student participants with significant impaired functioning associated with high levels of self-criticism received six individual weekly treatment sessions and a 2-month follow-up appointment. Acceptability was assessed through participant feedback. The intervention appeared to be feasible in terms of recruitment and retention of participants, and participant feedback indicated that overall the intervention seemed acceptable. There were statistically significant improvements between pre-and post-intervention for self-criticism, functional impairment, mood, self-esteem and maladaptive perfectionism with medium to large effect sizes at both post-intervention and follow-up. Gains were maintained or increased between post-Treatment and 2-month follow-up. The study showed preliminary evidence of effectiveness of a compassion-focused intervention for self-critical students which appeared to be a feasible and acceptable treatment approach. This intervention now requires investigation in a randomized controlled trial.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)583-600
Number of pages18
JournalBehavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
Volume46
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

Keywords

  • compassion-focused therapy
  • self-compassion
  • self-criticism
  • students

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