Compassion focused therapy: exploring mechanisms of change and investigating the feasibility of a transdiagnostic group for older adults

McConnell, Fiona (2021) Compassion focused therapy: exploring mechanisms of change and investigating the feasibility of a transdiagnostic group for older adults. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objectives: Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a relatively new intervention, particularly with the older adult population. In line with complex intervention development, this project aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of CFT as an intervention for older adults with anxiety and/or depression. Methods: This project used a mixed methods design, utilising outcome measures and semistructured interviews. The CFT group was delivered in an Older Adult Community Mental Health setting. Outcome measures were administered pre-, during and post-intervention, participants were then invited for an interview to collect their views. Feasibility factors such as recruitment and retention were evaluated. Outcome measures were analysed for treatment signals using non-parametric analysis. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate interview data. Results: Thirteen participants started the CFT intervention and ten completed. The findings suggest CFT is an acceptable and feasible intervention for older adults. The results inform future research in this area with indicators for development. Research participation was varied, with participants wanting to participate but also finding the outcome measures to be onerous to complete. Conclusions: It is unclear from this study whether CFT is a feasible and acceptable treatment intervention for older adults with anxiety and/or depression. Further research could address barriers to referrals within the CMHT setting. Additional research is also needed to identify mechanisms of change within CFT treatment.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Compassion-Focused Therapy, CFT, older adults, depression, anxiety.
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: McLeod, Prof. Hamish and Hickey, Dr. John
• Date of Award: 2021
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2021-82572
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 25 Nov 2021 15:08
• Last Modified: 06 Dec 2022 11:16
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.82572
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/82572