Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS