Abstract
Mental health in individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP) is an underexplored yet critical area of research. Psychological wellbeing in this population is influenced by complex interactions between physical symptoms, societal stigma, and systemic barriers in healthcare. Part A presents a qualitative study exploring the mental health experiences of adults with CP using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Three key themes were identified: Bodymind, Fitting In, and Navigating Healthcare Settings. The findings highlight the significant influence of physical symptoms on psychological wellbeing, the challenges of social belonging, and the inadequacies of healthcare support. The study emphasised the need for more inclusive and tailored mental health care for this population as well as further research. Part B presents a theoretical review proposing Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) as a potential suitable intervention for people with CP. Given its biopsychosocial framework, CFT offers a promising approach to address the distress experienced by individual with the condition which is often linked to disability stigma and social exclusion. While empirical research on CFT in CP is lacking, preliminary findings from other conditions suggest its potential effectiveness and adaptability in fostering self-compassion and mitigating mental health difficulties in the target population.