Community-based compassion-focussed therapy for adults with an intellectual disability: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose This literature review aims to ascertain the outcomes and perspectives of community-based compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive search of five databases was conducted systematically, with one additional study identified manually, yielding eight relevant studies. Methodological quality was appraised using two tools to account for heterogeneity in study designs.

Findings Two studies conducted a CFT-derived task while six studies conducted full CFT interventions, of which two delivered group interventions. Qualitative findings were favourable towards CFT, though some quantitative outcomes were inconsistent across the literature and with qualitative results. It is concluded that CFT is perceived as valuable and appears to produce positive outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. However, larger, randomised control trials are required to establish CFT as an efficacious, evidence-based intervention.

Originality/value This review provides insight into the outcomes and perspectives of CFT for individuals with an intellectual disability which has not been explicitly explored prior. Therefore, a holistic and specific examination of community-based CFT for individuals with intellectual disabilities is introduced to the literature.