‘Finding the person you really are … on the inside’: Compassion focused therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

This study utilized a mixed methods approach to examine the feasibility and acceptability of group compassion focused therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities (CFT-ID). Six participants with mild ID participated in six sessions of group CFT, specifically adapted for adults with ID. Session-by-session feasibility and acceptability measures suggested that participants understood the group content and process and experienced group sessions and experiential practices as helpful and enjoyable. Thematic analysis of focus groups identified three themes relating to (1) direct experiences of the group, (2) initial difficulties in being self-compassionate and (3) positive emotional changes. Pre- and post-group outcome measures indicated significant reductions in both self-criticism and unfavourable social comparisons. Results suggest that CFT can be adapted for individuals with ID and provide preliminary evidence that people with ID and psychological difficulties may experience a number of benefits from this group intervention.