Studying the effectiveness of self-compassion therapy on perceived stress, self-differentiation, and functional flexibility in women with Multiple Sclerosis
Studying the effectiveness of self-compassion therapy on perceived stress, self-differentiation, and functional flexibility in women with multiple sclerosis.
Design
A controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, without blinding, randomized, on 40 patients. The rand function of Excel software will be used for randomization.
Settings and conduct
The statistical population of this study includes all women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have been given a definitive diagnosis of MS by a specialist physician and psychotherapist in a clinical interview and who will refer to the Ahvaz MS Association during the study period. In the sample selection stage, convenience sampling method will be used. After selecting the samples to a volume of 40 people based on the study's entry and exit criteria, the participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: "self-compassion therapy training" (intervention group) and "waiting list" (control group).
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Women aged 20 to 40 years; definite diagnosis of MS by a clinical specialist.
Exclusion criteria: Unwillingness to participate in the study, participation in other psychotherapy sessions concurrently with the study.
Intervention groups
Intervention group: All people who will receive self-compassion therapy.
Control group: All people who will not receive any intervention.
Studying the effectiveness of self-compassion therapy on perceived stress, self-differentiation, and functional flexibility in women with Multiple Sclerosis
Public title
Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Training on Mental Health in Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Purpose
Education/Guidance
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 years
Definitive diagnosis of MS by a clinical specialist
Exclusion criteria:
Unwillingness to participate in research
Participating in other psychotherapy sessions at the same time as the research
Age
From 20 years old to 40 years old
Gender
Female
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size:
40
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
The statistical population of this study includes all women with multiple sclerosis who have been given a definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis by a specialist physician and psychotherapist in a clinical interview and who will refer to the MS Association during the study period. In the sample selection stage, convenience sampling method will be used. After selecting a sample of 40 people based on the study's entry and exit criteria, participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: "self-compassion therapy training" (intervention group) and "waiting list" (control group). Randomization will be performed using the random block method with variable sizes (4 and 6 people) by an independent statistician who is not involved in the implementation process. The random allocation list will be generated using the RAND function in Excel software and then placed in opaque, sealed, and numbered envelopes so that the researcher and participants are not aware of the allocation sequence (allocation concealment). Opening the envelope and informing the group allocation will only be done when each participant enters the study. To ensure the equality of the baseline variables (such as anxiety level, age), their distribution in the two groups will be examined during the statistical analysis stage.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Not blinded
Blinding description
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Parallel
Other design features
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz Branch
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention) 2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period) 3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The method of measurement will be the Cohen et al. (1983) Perceived Stress Questionnaire.
2
Description
Self-Differentiation
Timepoint
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention) 2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period) 3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The measurement method will be the Skowron and Friedlander (1998) differentiation questionnaire.
3
Description
Functional Flexibility
Timepoint
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention) 2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period) 3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The measurement method will be using the Connor and Davidson (2003) Functional Flexibility Questionnaire.
Secondary outcomes
empty
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention group: Self-compassion therapy; Duration: 90 minutes; Number of sessions: 8 sessions; Sequence of sessions: twice a week; Tools: Body-focused mindfulness, compassionate imagery, thought-distancing techniques (for resilience), and emotional boundary exercises (for self-differentiation). Session summary: Session 1: Pre-test; Introduction to the concepts of compassion and its connection with acceptance of MS disease conditions. Session 2: Recognition of the "inner critic" and its effect on perceived stress; Separation of one's feelings from the psychological burden caused by the disease. Session 3: Mindfulness training for managing physical pain; Practice soothing breathing to reduce stress responses of the nervous system. Session 4: Strengthening self-differentiation; Learning to have an "observing self" against the psychological pressures of the environment and others. Session 5: Promoting functional flexibility; Using the compassionate letter writing technique to change the response from "avoidance" to "active acceptance". Session 6: Examining barriers and fears to self-compassion; confronting emotions such as grief or anger regarding physical changes. Session 7: Practicing compassionate imagery to rebuild a compassionate view of the "body"; establishing coping strategies for dealing with stressors of illness. Session 8: Integration; focusing on maintaining autonomy and healthy boundaries (differentiation); implementing a post-test and follow-up plan.
Category
Treatment - Other
2
Description
Control group: The control group will not receive any intervention during the research, but to prevent factors that threaten the internal validity of the research, such as compensatory competition from the control group or demoralization, they will receive a self-compassion therapy intervention after data collection.
Category
Treatment - Other
Recruitment centers
1
Recruitment center
Name of recruitment center
Ahvaz MS Association
Full name of responsible person
Maryam Savari
Street address
Faculty of Rehabilitation, Golestan Hospital, Golestan Alley