Living Well with Illness: Evaluation of a Transdiagnostic Compassion-Focused Therapy Group for Long-Term Health Conditions

Abstract

This study presents a mixed methods evaluation of a transdiagnostic Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) group intervention, for adults with long-term health conditions (LTHCs). It aims to assess whether group completion was associated with improved outcomes in mood, overall well-being and the extent of LTHC interference in confidence for managing daily activities. Additionally, it examines the extent to which changes were related to processes targeted by CFT. The ‘Living Well with Illness’ group consisted of eleven weekly sessions, ten in group format and one individual formulation session at the course midpoint. Group participants were under the care of a medical consultant for their LTHC and were referred by a Psychology in Healthcare clinician. Outcome measurement data was collected from participants who attended groups conducted between January 2018 to January 2020. These measures assessed levels of anxiety, depression, overall well-being and confidence engaging in daily activities. Processes targeted by CFT were also measured including self-compassion and self-criticism. Additionally, qualitative questionnaire feedback was collated and analysed using conventional content analysis. The current study revealed a significant reduction in scores of anxiety and depression. A significant improvement was observed for well-being and confidence for engaging in daily activities. Additionally, a significant improvement was seen in self-compassion and a concurrent reduction in levels of self-criticism. Qualitative findings provided support for changes in self-compassion, utility of compassion-focused strategies and the benefits of a transdiagnostic group format. The findings of this study suggest CFT is an effective therapeutic approach to improve psychological well-being in LTHCs and that this can be delivered in a transdiagnostic group format.