Adapting Compassion-Focused Therapy for people with intellectual disabilities and other cognitive impairments

Holm, Miriam (2021) Adapting Compassion-Focused Therapy for people with intellectual disabilities and other cognitive impairments. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) may provide a useful intervention for individuals with
cognitive impairments. However, psychological interventions for such people require careful
adaptations.

Method
Multiple databases were searched for studies on CFT for people with intellectual disabilities,
autism spectrum disorder, brain injuries or dementia. The quality of the studies’ reporting of
their interventions was evaluated. Frameworks were developed to review the adaptations
employed and the CFT features included in the interventions.

Results
Seven studies on participants with intellectual disabilities, four on people with acquired brain
injuries, and two on individuals with dementia were found. No studies explored CFT and autism
spectrum disorder. The quality assessment indicated that studies could have benefited from
increased detail in their accounts of their interventions, and highlighted a lack of methods for
measuring and enhancing adherence to protocols. The reviews of therapy adaptations and CFT
features showed that studies varied in the extent to which their interventions were adapted
and the degree to which the main features of CFT were incorporated.

Conclusions
This review summarises the beginnings of an evidence base for CFT for people with cognitive
impairments. It provides a centralised source of ideas for adapting CFT and points to avenues
for future research.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Andrew, Professor Jahoda, Pert, Dr. Carol and O'Shea, Dr. Ailsa
• Date of Award: 2021
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2021-82270
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 11 Jun 2021 14:36
• Last Modified: 28 Nov 2022 11:33
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.82270
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/82270