Comparing dimensions of compassion in eating disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A cross-diagnostic examination of dimensions of compassion using a clinical eating disorders sample and non-clinical controls.
IRAS ID
354649
Contact name
Lauren Huff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 4 days
Research summary
The purpose of the study is to understand how different aspects of compassion may relate to people with and without a diagnosed eating disorder (ED), including how these aspects may compare across different ED presentations.
This is because the results of previous research into compassion and EDs are mixed, and often do not differentiate between different ED diagnoses; this has implications for how we support people with EDs, including psychological treatment. Therefore, we are researching this area with the aim of furthering the understanding of the dimensions of compassion across EDs. We hope that by doing so, this research may contribute to better support for people with EDs in their recovery.
Up to 225 participants will be recruited from St Ann’s Eating Disorders Service (SAEDS) in London. The diagnoses that we hope to be represented in the sample are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Otherwise Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder. People who have another ED are not eligible to take part in this research because of differences in the underlying psychological phenomena in other EDs. With ethical approval from the University of Hertfordshire, participants will also be recruited from the general population who do not have a diagnosed ED. With this sample, we aim to compare the results of the measures detailed below between people with and without an ED, as well as between people with different ED diagnoses.
Participants will be asked to complete an online survey, including questionnaires on different aspects of compassion, eating difficulties, depression, and demographic questions, via the secure online platform Qualtrics. The entire study will be conducted online and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The data will then be statistically analysed and results will be shared with patients and staff at SAEDS, as well as submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
25/ES/0085
Date of REC Opinion
27 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion