V1 Feasibility RCT of a tailored online self-compassion intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of online self-compassion training tailored for adults living with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
IRAS ID
349702
Contact name
Jodie Slevin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 27 days
Research summary
Research shows that diabetes is associated with a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and diabetes-related distress. Adults living with diabetes also often experience high levels of self-criticism, shame, and guilt related to their illness. A promising approach to improving well-being for adults living with diabetes is the practice of self-compassion. This pilot Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) seeks to examine the feasibility and acceptability of online compassion training tailored for adults living with diabetes. An previous RCT conducted by another trainee used the generic version of the course, but encountered some issues with drop-out, with participants being lost to follow-up. It is suggested that drop-out may have been in part due to participants finding the untailored intervention to be unhelpful or irrelevant (Jardine et al., 2024). Guided by an Expert by Experience, clinical experience, and information gathered from Diabetes UK, and in discussion with the developer of the programme, we adapted the original course in various ways. For example, references to living with diabetes have been incorporated into the information provided throughout the course and real-life stories inserted where felt relevant.
Consenting participants across multiple NHS trusts, will be randomised to either a four-week compassion training course or a waitlist control group. Those in the control group will receive access to the intervention at the end of the study. The indicators of feasibility and acceptability that will be examined include: 1. ease of recruitment; 2. number of participants remaining in the intervention; 3. number of participants remaining the study; 4. acceptability of the intervention; 5. outcome measure completion; 6. whether there is a preliminary signal of effectiveness in the reduction of diabetes distress. These indicators will be compared to pre-specified progression criteria to determine whether the intervention is sufficiently feasible and acceptable to progress to a full-scale RCT in future research.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0036
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion