Acceptability and potential benefit of a self-compassion intervention for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a mixed methods pilot study.
Marion Sommers-Spijkerman,Aimée Zwarts-Engelbert,Esther Kruitwagen-Van Reenen,Ruben P A Van Eijk,Johanna M A Visser-Meily,Emmy Heijmans,Judith Austin,Constance Drossaert,Ernst Bohlmeijer,Anita Beelen
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: This proof-of-concept study aimed to explore the acceptability and potential benefit of a self-guided online self-compassion intervention to aid resilient coping and reduce emotional distress among patients and caregivers living with ALS. Methods: A single-arm pilot study was conducted in 20 adults living with ALS either as a patient or as a caregiver. Acceptability was examined using questionnaires (n = 20) and semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Potential benefit was assessed as changes in self-compassion, self-criticism and emotional distress, determined using psychological questionnaires at 3 and 6 weeks. Questionnaires were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and interview data using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Out of 20 participants who started the intervention, 16 completed the study (80%). The majority of study completers (12/16) were satisfied with the intervention, but the data suggest room for improvement in terms of personalization. Qualitative data revealed multiple psychological benefits of using the intervention, including self-kindness, emotional self-awareness and savoring. Although not statistically significant, quantitative data showed positive trends with increased self-compassion (mean difference: 2.07; 95% CI: -.5.76 - 1.63) and reduced self-criticism (mean difference: -2.62; 95% CI: -.1.97 - 7.23) and emotional distress (mean difference: -2.49; 95% CI: -.51 - 5.50) at week 6 compared to baseline. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a self-compassion intervention is acceptable to people living with ALS, but its beneficial effects and the mechanisms involved have yet to be established in larger and more diverse samples, using controlled designs.
期刊介绍:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration is an exciting new initiative. It represents a timely expansion of the journal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in response to the clinical, imaging pathological and genetic overlap between ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The expanded journal provides outstanding coverage of research in a wide range of issues related to motor neuron diseases, especially ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and cognitive decline associated with frontotemporal degeneration. The journal also covers related disorders of the neuroaxis when relevant to these core conditions.