Self-compassion in adolescents experiencing emotional distress

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Does self-compassion mediate the relationship between attachment and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in a clinical adolescent population?

• IRAS ID

  161724

• Contact name

  Julie Graham

• Contact email

  s1370097@sms.ed.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Resarch Governance coordinator

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 1 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  This study will aim to investigate the impact of 'self-compassion' in adolescents presenting with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), NHS Lothian.
  Self-Compassion involves being kind to oneself at times of difficultly by recognizing imperfection is a shared human experience and also being mindful about one’s present-moment experience rather than exaggerating suffering.
  Research suggests self-compassion has a mediating effect on emotional distress in adults hence those who are more self-critical experience more mental health problems; whereas those who are more self-compassionate report improved well-being
  The relationship between a negative early relational experience between a parent and child and subsequent mental ill-health in adolescents is established. Investigation of the potential positive ‘buffering’ effect of self-compassion in this relationship in adolescents presenting with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety has never been researched before. Such research is warranted as this may inform the development of new interventions aimed at reducing emotional distress in adolescents.
  Furthermore there is an emerging theory that self-compassion offers a healthier alternative to self-esteem as a concept of thinking and feeling about oneself. In the pursuit of high self-esteem some ‘put others down’ to feel better about themselves. Conversely self-compassion involves a sense of common humanity and unlike self-esteem involves treating oneself with kindness at times of failure. Investigation within a clinical adolescent population of this theory would usefully add to the literature.
  Adolescents (aged 14-19 years) referred to NHS Lothian CAMHS with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety will be invited to participate. Those who consent will be asked to complete five self-report measures of: attachment, depression & anxiety symptoms, self-compassion, self-esteem and quality of life measure. Routine demographic information will also be gathered. It is estimated it will take 20 minutes to complete the measures. These variables will then be explored through mediation analysis

• REC name

  South East Scotland REC 02

• REC reference

  15/SS/0033

• Date of REC Opinion

  16 Mar 2015

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion