Shame, psychological flexibility, substance use and mental health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of shame, psychological flexibility and the use of alcohol or drugs in people with mental health problems
IRAS ID
190054
Contact name
Kathryn Walsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Shame (a global negative judgement of the self in response to some misdeed or shortcoming) has been the focus of much research in mental health. High levels of shame have been associated with depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Shame is also associated with substance use; shame is more common amongst those with substance use problems than those without. Despite evidence for the role of shame in either mental health or substance misuse problems, there is limited research on the experience of shame in those with co-occurring severe mental health and substance misuse problems. Shame may potentially play a role in the development and maintenance of these complex problems.
Combined substance misuse and mental health problems are highly prevalent and are associated with poorer outcomes when compared to either problem alone. Previous research has focussed on interventions for this client group, with less attention being paid to psychological factors that may be associated with the development or severity of these combined problems, such as shame. It is important to understand possible mechanisms of change that could inform future development of psychological interventions.
A therapeutic intervention that focuses on how the individual responds to experiences such as shame is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A further important concept within ACT is psychological flexibility, “the ability to contact the present moment more fully as a conscious human being and to change, or persist in, behavior when doing so serves valued ends” (Biglan et al., 2008).
The proposed study aims to explore 1)the potential influence of shame in both substance use and psychological symptoms in those with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems and 2)the role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between shame, substance use and mental health symptoms.
Biglan,A. et al., (2008). Acceptance and Commitment: Implications for Prevention Science. Prev Sci, 9(3):139–152
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0416
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion