Citation

O'Neill M, McMillan TM. Neuropsychol. Rehabil. 2012; 22(6): 836-851.

Affiliation

Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09602011.2012.691886

PMID

22670572

Abstract

Severe head injury (SHI) can result in problems in empathising, which in turn is associated with social difficulties. Compassionate imagery can increase compassion in non-brain injured people and can alter how they relate to themselves and others. This preliminary study investigates whether compassionate imagery can increase empathy in those with low empathy after SHI. A between-group repeated measures design was used wth 24 participants with severe SHI and low empathy, randomly allocated to a single treatment session of compassionate imagery or a control condition of relaxation. Empathy, self-compassion and relaxation were assessed pre- and post-intervention and fear of compassion pre-intervention as a potential covariate. A group effect of compassionate imagery on empathy was not found, F(1, 21) = 0.12, p = .73. A non-specific increase in self-compassion approached significance, T = 78.00, p = 0.07, r = -.26. Fear of compassion did not correlate significantly with changes in self-compassion or empathy. Demographic and injury factors associated with SHI that may impact on treatment effectiveness are discussed. Further research that takes these factors into account is warranted.

Language: en