Group skills training for body awareness and managing emotions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Polyvagal informed group skills training for body awareness and managing emotions for people living with obesity
IRAS ID
356169
Contact name
Jodie Ferris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N.A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Obesity is a growing public health concern and the support available for people living with obesity often focuses on weight loss, which can increase stigma and may worsen health outcomes (Tomiyama et al., 2018). Other approaches to support the psychological wellbeing for this population often overlook the importance of learning to trust the body. Polyvagal Theory in Therapy (PVTT) offers a unique approach that encourages people to be curious, respect how their nervous system works, and notice and respond to bodily sensations. Research shows that interoception, which is the ability to sense and understand what is happening inside the body such as recognising hunger, pain, or emotions, may be challenging for people in larger bodies (Willem et al., 2019). These challenges have been connected to difficulties managing emotions and may lead to behaviours such as emotional eating (Vasileiou & Abbott, 2023). This points to the need for a therapeutic approach that helps people both notice what’s happening in their bodies and trust those signals enough to respond in healthy ways (Willem et al., 2021). This project will explore how acceptable and effective Polyvagal Theory in Skills training is when delivered in a group setting for this population. Using a single case experimental design, the project will test whether this novel skills training can improve body awareness (interoception) and emotional regulation for people attending an NHS specialist weight management service. Participants will be randomised to start the group after a baseline period of either 14 or 21 days. The group will consist of six skills training sessions over a nine-week period. Participants will complete outcome measures throughout the baseline period, during the group skills training and for a follow up period of 28 days. This study is part of a clinical psychology doctorate project at Royal Holloway University of London.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0474
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion