Content area
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) on anxiety in a small sample of adults with intellectual disability.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods design was employed. Participants (n=3) completed questionnaire measures of anxiety and self-compassion on three occasions: pre-intervention, post-intervention and, at three months follow-up. Post-intervention, they also took part in recorded interviews that were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings were then synthesised to develop a comprehensive understanding of their overall experience.
Findings
Final data synthesis revealed five themes: participant anxiety decreased (reliable for all participants); the faulty self; improved positive compassionate attitudes; increased sense of common humanity; and mindful distraction techniques.
Research limitations/implications
This research paper offers in-depth analysis of three participants' experiences rather than reporting in less detail about a larger number of participants. The self-compassion scale required considerable support and reasonable adaptation to be used with these clients.
Originality/value
Only two other studies have explored the use of CFT with people with intellectual disabilities.
Details
Emotions;
Intellectual disabilities;
Fear & phobias;
Distraction;
Mental depression;
Sympathy;
Mental health;
Medical screening;
Qualitative research;
Systematic review;
Health services;
Health psychology;
Intervention;
Self compassion;
Intellectually disabled people;
Disability studies;
Compassion;
Attitudes;
Adults;
People with disabilities