Self- compassion and weight loss in clinically obese adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self- compassion and weight loss in clinically obese adults: A grounded theory study
IRAS ID
212211
Contact name
Mercedez Coleman
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 19 days
Research summary
This study aims to understand how self-compassion can influence weight loss in obese adults. Self- compassion is defined as being able to be kind, non- judgmental and understanding to yourself. Everyone’s experience of self-compassion is different. Previous research has shown that being self- compassionate can help with weight loss. Gilbert (2005) and Goss (2011) suggest that being self- compassionate can help people be kinder to themselves when they are having a difficult time in their lives and/or are experiencing high levels of shame and self- criticism linked to their weight management difficulties. However, it is not clear how this process works. Exploring obese adults’ experiences of self- compassion when attempting to lose weight will help to understand this process further, and may support the use of Compassion Focused Therapy within this client group and could improve future treatment.
Patients who have been assessed and accepted into a Tier 3 Weight Management Service will be invited to take part in a face- to face interview and talk about their experiences of weight loss and self- compassion. Each interview will last around 60 minutes, and will be arranged at a time that is convenient for participants.
Taking part in this study will give participants an opportunity to share your experiences and help with research, which may help develop psychological interventions for others with similar needs. Participants who take part in the study will be entered into a prize draw to win a £20 voucher of their choice (Marks and Spencer, Amazon or Love2Shop).
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0123
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion