Understanding the experience of compassion for those with complex PTSD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do those experiencing complex PTSD understand and experience compassion? A Grounded Theory Analysis
IRAS ID
320272
Contact name
Jo-Ann Valentine
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
It is well known that experiencing a horrifying and traumatic event can result in emotional distress long after the event has passed, affecting various aspects of daily functioning. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a diagnosis that reflects this. However there are some people who experience either multiple or early childhood traumas, who endure additional difficulties as a result. This includes difficulties managing emotions, creating or maintaining relationships and holding negative beliefs about themselves. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a new diagnostic classification which has been created to describe this subset of people affected by traumatic events. It has been acknowledged that current talking therapies may need adaptation to address the additional needs those with Complex PTSD present with. Compassion focused therapy is one such approach which has been suggested and looks to build a person's ability to use compassion to address shame and self hatred. However we don’t know how those with complex PTSD understand and experience compassion, given their previous experiences. It is important to know more about this, to ensure compassion focused approaches can address specific ideas that come up for people around this topic and engage them effectively.
The proposed study will recruit 10-12 participants who meet criteria for complex PTSD and are awaiting treatment. It will invite them to participate in in-depth interviews; to better understand their experience of compassion towards themselves, others and receiving compassion from others. The data would be analysed using grounded theory, to generate a preliminary model of this experience.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0016
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion