Effect of Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Compassion Training on Depression: A Study Protocol

Aims: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the evidence-based treatments for depression. However, some patients high in self-criticism do not respond to CBT. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is featured in treating self-criticism and shame, and some trials have reported its effectiveness on depression in individual and group settings. The aim of this study is to adapt an established combined manual of group CBT and CFT, evaluate its efficacy as a pilot study, and discuss the advantages of group CBT (GCBT) program using compassion as a depression therapy in a Japanese community setting.

Design and Methods: In this single group study, participants will receive 10 sessions of GCBT with compassion training that was provided through the CFT. All sessions will last for 1 hour and be provided weekly. The outcome measure is the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the secondary outcome is the Self-Compassion Scale in Japanese. Both outcomes will be measured pre- and post-program. The sample size will be 15 participants due to the limited capacity for intervention within the community.

Discussion: It is expected that the program will show a larger effect size than that of GCBT reported in previous studies on depression and self-compassion. The results will show an effect size that justifies the introduction of a randomized controlled study to improve the program.

Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry 000015007

https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&type=summary&language=J&recptno=R000016862.

Conclusion: CFT or compassion training can augment the treatment of major depression using CBT. Despite several limitations, this clinical trial may help estimate the effectiveness of CFT, which will aid in the design of a further controlled study.