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A Qualitative Research regarding the Integration of Self-Compassion Interventions in Traditional Treatment : The Needs and Preferences of Anorexia Nervosa Patients

Gerlach, Franziska Antje (2018) A Qualitative Research regarding the Integration of Self-Compassion Interventions in Traditional Treatment : The Needs and Preferences of Anorexia Nervosa Patients.

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Abstract:Objective. Anorexia Nervosa (AN) displays the highest mortality rate compared with other mental disorders. Especially in the long-term, the treatment of AN lacks in patient satisfaction and effectivity. One possible extension to the traditional treatment is the positive psychology. Self-compassion is a concept underlying this approach and is defined as being kind, understanding, and nonjudgmental toward oneself. Due to the fact that AN-patients suffer from high self-criticism and negative self-images, self-compassion exercises might be suitable supplementations to the traditional treatment. The purpose of this bachelor thesis is to investigate in the needs and preferences of AN-patients regarding the integration of a self-compassion intervention in traditional treatment. Key focuses included the experiences with self-compassion, appealing to the concept of self-compassion, and participants’ perspectives concerning a future integration of self-compassion interventions in treatment. Methods. An explorative, qualitative research design was used to answer the research question. With the means of a self-compassion exercise, the concept was presented to the participants. An anonymous online questionnaire, consisting of qualitative and quantitative questions, was used to investigate in participants’ perspectives and attitudes towards the concept of self-compassion. The questionnaire contains four topics: (1) background of participants, (2) experiences with self-compassion, (3) appealing to the concept of self-compassion, and (4) perspectives regarding the integration of self-compassion in traditional treatment. In total 16 participants completed the questionnaire. The analysis was done by two independent coders, using a deductive and inductive approach. Results. The concept of self-compassion is already familiar to the majority of the participants. Whereby some participants had no experiences other faced the concept during treatment or outside clinical settings. The concept of self-compassion is mainly evaluated as positive and expected positive effects, like an increase of self-acceptance and self-kindness, are mentioned. Negative aspects are a very theoretical and difficult upset, a need for guidance and a too long explanation of the concept. Openness for future usage is present by the participants. To a great extent, the integration is supported. In addition, anorexics are part of the target group of practicing self-compassion. No consensus regarding the appropriate date and kind of usage as a part of treatment is found. Conclusion. This study is novel in establishing the needs regarding the integration of self-compassion in traditional treatment by those affected. The far majority of the participants appreciated the concept of self-compassion. Findings indicate that self-compassion is suitable for AN-treatment. Important information about the needs and preferences regarding a future integration were discussed. Nevertheless, additional experimental research is required to make statements about the effectivity of self-compassion in AN-treatment. Limitations, based upon a revised research method, were mentioned and recommendations for future research were discovered. Keywords: Self-Compassion, Positive Psychology, Anorexia-Nervosa, Needs, Preferences, Integration, Traditional Treatment
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/76100
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