Online compassion-based self-help for depression in people with skin conditions: a feasibility study

Clarke, Elaine N., Norman, Paul and Thompson, Andrew R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6788-7222 2024. Online compassion-based self-help for depression in people with skin conditions: a feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 10 , 63. 10.1186/s40814-024-01486-4

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Abstract

Background: There is a need to develop psychological interventions for depression in people with skin conditions. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and effects of an online compassion-based self-help intervention for depression in people with skin conditions. Methods: Adult participants (n = 34) with skin conditions and mild-moderate depressive symptoms were invited to undertake a six-week, compassion-based online intervention for depression with email support. Engagement with the intervention was monitored, along with time spent facilitating the intervention, and participant feedback was collected each week and post-intervention. Pre-post changes in depression, self-compassion and dermatological quality of life were also assessed. Results: The intervention was started by 25 participants and completed by 13. Feedback scores indicated that the website was evaluated positively and that the sessions had positive impacts on participants. Participants appreciated the skin-specific aspects of the intervention but varied as to which of the compassion-based exercises they found helpful. The online intervention was feasible to provide and facilitate, and treatment completers showed improvements in depression, quality of life and self-compassion. Conclusions: The online compassion-based intervention holds promise as a treatment for depression in people with skin conditions. Recommendations are made for future research and further development of the intervention. Trial registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 21 October 2019, NCT04132973.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	BioMed Central
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	18 April 2024
Date of Acceptance:	26 March 2024
Last Modified:	18 Apr 2024 13:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/167994

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