Single Case Experimental Design for a Compassion-Focused Therapy Group
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Change mechanisms within a Compassionate Resilience Group for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a single case experimental design
IRAS ID
325647
Contact name
Naomi Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 15 days
Research summary
This study is about a group therapy called Compassionate Resilience Group (CRG) for people with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). CPTSD is a condition where people experience high levels of shame, which is hard to treat with standard therapy. The CRG is a 16-week program to help people with CPTSD manage their shame better and develop self-compassion.
In this study, we want to find out if the CRG reduces shame and how it does this. Previous studies have shown that people who have completed the CRG said that understanding themselves better, sharing compassion with others, and being self-compassionate helped reduce their shame. However, the current study will be the first time the CRG has been scientifically measured. We also want to see if changes in heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the body's response to stress, can reduce shame.
To answer these questions, we will track shame, compassion, social safeness, and HRV across the 16-week CRG for people with CPTSD. We will ask ten participants to answer three questions and take a 60-second HRV reading every day. They will also complete two weekly questionnaires, including three weeks before and after the CRG. The study will last 23 weeks because we have allowed one week off during the CRG.
Our goal is to find out if the CRG is an effective treatment for people with CPTSD and how it can help reduce shame and improve self-compassion, social safeness and HRV. This study will improve treatments for people with CPTSD and help them lead happier and healthier lives.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0397
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion