Self-compassion, the Eating Disorder (ED) critic & ED behaviours
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of self-compassion in the relationship between the eating disorder critic and eating disorder behaviours.
IRAS ID
335128
Contact name
Milly Salsbury
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomon's Institute for Applied Psychology
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to investigate the role of self-compassion in the relationship between the eating disorder critic and eating disorder symptomatology in Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Current guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises the first line of treatment for AN to be individual eating-disorder-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-ED), Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) or specialist supportive clinical management (SSCM). However, emerging research suggests that working with the high levels of self-criticism and low levels of self-compassion observed in individuals with AN may offer a new opportunity in eating disorder treatment. Eligible participants would be individuals aged 18+ who meet the threshold for a diagnosis of AN using screening measures, or who have an existing diagnosis of AN.
Specific hypotheses are as follows - (Hypothesis 1) The strength of the eating disorder critical voice X levels of self-compassion moderates the relationship between self-compassion and eating disorder cognitions, (Hypothesis 2) greater levels of self-compassion in the time before the meal predicts less eating disorder critical voice, fewer ED cognitions and greater likelihood that the meal is eaten, (Hypothesis 3) the reported length of time since eating will be correlated with the strength of the eating disorder voice.
The study will involve eligible participants completing a set of surveys on a mobile device, three times per day, for 7 days. All participants will be given the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 giftcard if they choose to.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0129
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion