Can Self-Compassion be cultivated in Armed Forces Veterans?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can Self-Compassion Be Cultivated in Individuals who have been exposed to life-threatening or prolonged stressors such as Armed Forces Veterans?
IRAS ID
220845
Contact name
Samantha Gerdes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 24 days
Research summary
The current study will investigate the effects of a Loving Kindness Meditation (shown to cultivate self-compassion) on Armed Forces Veterans who have experienced combat whilst on deployment. A computerised self-report scale will be used to measure state hyperarousal symptoms and social connectedness before and after the Loving Kindness Meditation. Autonomic activity will also be measured before, during and after the Loving Kindness Meditation. The study will investigate whether a Loving Kindness Meditation reduces symptoms of hyperarousal and increases levels of social connectedness. Also, the study will investigate whether these changes are associated with the severity of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Approximately 55 participants will be recruited via posters, leaflets and flyers which will be distributed to GP surgeries, the Veteran Community Mental Health service and Armed Forces Veteran charities. Also, participants will be recruited through local NHS mental health services (primary and secondary care) and NHS Veterans Community Mental Health Services, where mental health staff will provide information about the study to patients who are under their care. This could include clinicians informing potential participants about the research at an assessment or review appointment. Participation is entirely voluntary and patients will only be provided with the information sheet by the mental health team staff.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0158
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion