The Acceptability of a Rolling Compassion Focused Therapy Group Embedded Within an Eating Disorder Day Hospital Programme: A Brief Report.
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Authors
Twomey, Conal
Cagney, Olivia
McEnerny, Fionnuala
Dowling, Clodagh
Issue Date
2025-11-06
Type
Journal Article
Language
en
Keywords
acceptability , compassion focused therapy , day hospital , eating disorders
Alternative Title
Abstract
Interventions embedded within eating disorder day hospital programmes are often provided on a rolling basis with flexible entry and exit points. This clinical audit examined the acceptability of one such intervention: a rolling Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders (CFT-E) group.
Acceptability was assessed across 22 sessions, over 5 months. Using anonymous feedback forms, participants rated each session using Likert scales and open-ended responses.
Across 112 total attendances, session ratings indicated good acceptability, particularly for improving motivation, knowledge of compassion-focused principles, and personal and supportive group connections (all mean scores > 4.0). The trajectory of the mean ratings across each session also pointed to consistent and enduring acceptability. CFT-E theory (n = 62) was the most frequently reported helpful category, followed by group process factors (n = 47), and improved self-awareness (n = 9). Openness from the group, particularly regarding discussing eating disorders, was referred to in a positive light across various analyses. Some engagement issues (n = 12) were also highlighted.
The demonstrated acceptability of this rolling Introduction to CFT-E group supports its continued provision and justifies further evaluation of similar introductory, compassion-focused formats in eating-disorder services. Engagement issues offer room for improvement.
Acceptability was assessed across 22 sessions, over 5 months. Using anonymous feedback forms, participants rated each session using Likert scales and open-ended responses.
Across 112 total attendances, session ratings indicated good acceptability, particularly for improving motivation, knowledge of compassion-focused principles, and personal and supportive group connections (all mean scores > 4.0). The trajectory of the mean ratings across each session also pointed to consistent and enduring acceptability. CFT-E theory (n = 62) was the most frequently reported helpful category, followed by group process factors (n = 47), and improved self-awareness (n = 9). Openness from the group, particularly regarding discussing eating disorders, was referred to in a positive light across various analyses. Some engagement issues (n = 12) were also highlighted.
The demonstrated acceptability of this rolling Introduction to CFT-E group supports its continued provision and justifies further evaluation of similar introductory, compassion-focused formats in eating-disorder services. Engagement issues offer room for improvement.
Description
Citation
Twomey C, Cagney O, McEnerny F, Dowling C. The Acceptability of a Rolling Compassion Focused Therapy Group Embedded Within an Eating Disorder Day Hospital Programme: A Brief Report. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2025 Nov 6. doi: 10.1002/erv.70053. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41199477.
Publisher
License
© 2025 The Author(s). European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Journal
European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
1099-0968