Schizophrenia: An Exploration of an Acceptance, Mindfulness, and Compassion‐based Group Intervention

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to develop and apply a brief (five‐session) group‐based intervention called Compassionate, Mindful and Accepting approach to Psychosis (CMAP) for patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Methods

The intervention was based on three major approaches: the mindfulness framework adapted for psychosis with the proposed modifications for meditation work, the rationales from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion‐Focused Therapy adapted to psychosis. The intervention was in group format, with one therapist (five 1‐hr sessions). Five patients (male, single, between 22 and 35 years old, Caucasian) completed the intervention. Participants completed self‐report measures at baseline (1-week prior to intervention) and post‐treatment (1-week—additionally the Satisfaction with Intervention Questionnaire).

Results

The intervention seemed acceptable for all participants. For illustration of potential benefits of this approach, pre‐post results are presented and discussed for two patients. Overall, there was improvement in both patients, although in different measures. Both patients’ conviction in paranoid delusions decreased, while an increase in acting with awareness was observed.

Conclusions

Although preliminary, the results are in line with previous research in psychosis. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

Key words:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Compassion‐Focused Therapy
• mindfulness
• schizophrenia

Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge the collaboration of the Aveiro Mental Health Community Team (Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Baixo Vouga Hospital Centre, Portugal) for which we are very grateful.