A Compassion-Focused intervention for exercise shame.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study of the acceptability and feasibility of a compassion focused bibliotherapy intervention for reducing shame and increasing participation in patients referred to the Welsh National Exercise Referral Scheme.
IRAS ID
230985
Contact name
Mark Golightly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
School of Psychology, Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 6 days
Research summary
Regular physical activity plays an important role in the maintenance of physical and mental health (Department of Health, 2011). Despite knowing the benefits, many people experience a number of psychological, emotional and practical barriers to engaging in physical activity. Morgan et al (2016) conducted a review of qualitative studies into the views of participants in exercise referral schemes. In nine studies, respondents reported discomfort and feeling intimidated by the gym environment. Themes around poor body image and low self-esteem also emerged as well as the perception that other gym users would be ‘slim, young and beautiful’. Feelings of shame, self-critical cognitions, and negative self-comparisons are commonly reported as barriers to physical exercise (Andrews et al, 2002).
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to alleviate shame and self-criticism through the training and cultivation of self-compassion. CFT has been shown to be effective in treating a broad range of mental health problems, particularly in clients with high levels of self-criticism (Leaviss and Utle, 2015).
The present study will investigate the feasibility of an individually delivered bibliotherapeutic Compassion Focused intervention designed to: a.) reduce feelings of exercise specific shame; b.) reduce exercise specific self-critical cognitions; c.) increase exercise motivation and behaviour.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0630
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion