An exploration of agents of change and effectiveness in compassion orientated group interventions

Askew, Alexandra Louise

Abstract

This portfolio thesis is comprised of three parts: 1) a systematic literature review, 2) an empirical report and, 3) supporting appendices.

Part one is a systematic literature review which aimed to explore the effectiveness of compassion-based group interventions. A systematic search of three key databases identified 13 empirical papers for review. A meta-analysis of ten of these papers was conducted to explore the effectiveness of the compassion-based group interventions administered in these studies. Four meta-analyses were conducted with regards to the following outcomes; anxiety, depression, self-compassion, self-criticism. A narrative synthesis of the evidence for the effectiveness of compassion-based group interventions provided by the three remaining papers is also included in the review. A review of methodological quality and standard of reporting of the reviewed studies is provided. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.

Part two is an empirical report of an original piece of research aiming to identify the agents of change within a compassionate mind training group for staff. This is a feasibility study which pilots the reported methodology and evaluates its suitability for identifying agents of change. Quantitative analysis aimed to investigate both the effectiveness of the compassionate mind training group and the agents of change within the training. Qualitative analysis was used to explore participants’ experiences of the group and any changes they had observed. The findings of the study are reported and the clinical implications are discussed.

Part three contains the appendices relating to the systematic literature review and the empirical report. In addition there is a reflective statement focused on the research process, followed by an epistemological statement.

Citation

Askew, A. L. An exploration of agents of change and effectiveness in compassion orientated group interventions. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4221895

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4221895
• Additional Information: Department of Psychological Health, Wellbeing and Social Work, The University of Hull
• Award Date: May 1, 2019