Feasibility and acceptability of CFT groups for birth trauma/loss
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The feasibility and acceptability of compassion-focussed therapy groups for birth trauma and/or perinatal loss
IRAS ID
362959
Contact name
Anja Wittkowski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 10 days
Research summary
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is an effective therapeutic approach for various clinical populations. By reducing self-criticism, CFT promotes better mental health. CFT is under-researched in perinatal women, but evidence suggests a link between self-criticism and perinatal distress. Two CFT groups are being run by a specialist perinatal mental health service: one for birth trauma and one for infant loss. Infant loss includes miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death, while birth trauma refers to distressing childbirth experiences. Both can cause profound psychological consequences.
This mixed methods research aims to explore the usefulness and practicality of this group intervention for women who have experienced infant loss and/or birth trauma. We want to hear their experiences, what they found helpful, and what they would change. We’ll also look at questionnaires completed before and after the group sessions to see if there’s meaningful change, particularly in reducing self-criticism and mood difficulties. We’ll also examine group attendance rates and other information about group delivery.
Eligible women will be aged 18 and over, proficient in English, and have either experienced trauma in pregnancy, birth, or neonatal experience, or infant loss in pregnancy, birth, or the first two years of a baby’s life. They must have also completed at least 25% of the intervention sessions. The host service is the Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service (PETALS), part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Findings will contribute to the growing evidence base on compassion-focused interventions for perinatal grief and trauma, informing future clinical practice and service provision.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
26/NS/0026
Date of REC Opinion
30 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion