Abstract
The current study evaluates the feasibility of a three-week online compassionate imagery intervention designed to improve self-compassion for people with type 2 diabetes. A one group repeated measures design was used. Ten participants identifying as having a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes were recruited from Twitter and the Diabetes UK Forum. Participants were given access to eight videos to view over three weeks. These videos outlined psychoeducation and imagery techniques deriving from compassion-focused therapy (CFT) that aimed to increase self-compassion. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention self-report measures of self-compassion, fears of self-compassion, experiences of diabetes stigma and goals they hoped to achieve through their participation. Post-intervention, participants were invited to provide feedback about their experiences of the intervention via questionnaire or an individual semi-structured interview. Overall, seven participants accessed some or all of the videos, and three of these were retained in the study. Attrition was most common following a video that focused on directing self-compassion. Feedback suggested participants found the intervention enjoyable, thought-provoking, and helpful in developing a compassionate understanding of their condition and its impact. There was initial evidence of change, with some participants reporting an increase in self-compassion, a reduction in fears of self-compassion, and progression towards their goals. A deterioration or no changes in experiences of diabetes stigma were observed. Although the intervention offered promising benefits for the three participants retained in the study, it was not considered to be feasible in its current form. Suggested adaptations and further community-based participatory research with people who have lived experience of type 2 diabetes are recommended to enhance the intervention’s acceptability and potential benefit for this group before progressing to a gold standard pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT).