RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Feasibility of a Tailored Online Self-compassion Intervention

This study is testing an online course designed to help people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The course focuses on self-compassion, which is about being kind and understanding towards yourself, especially when facing difficulties. The main goal is to see if this online program is easy to use and if people find it helpful. Researchers want to know if it can reduce feelings of upset about diabetes (diabetes distress), being overly critical of oneself, and shame. They also hope it might lead to better physical health. This is a first step to see if a larger study should be done in the future to confirm these benefits.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Canterbury Christ Church University

Enrolment target

Start

18 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

What is this study about?

Living with diabetes, whether it's type 1 or type 2, can be challenging and sometimes lead to feelings of stress, frustration, or even shame. This research study is looking into a new approach to help people manage these emotional aspects of living with diabetes. It's called a 'self-compassion intervention,' which means it's an online program designed to teach you how to be kinder and more understanding towards yourself.

The main idea behind this online course is that by learning to be more self-compassionate, people with diabetes might feel less distressed about their condition, be less critical of themselves, and experience less shame. The study is particularly interested in whether these emotional improvements might also lead to better physical health. This program takes about four weeks to complete.

This is a 'feasibility and acceptability' study, which means the researchers are mainly trying to find out if the online program works well in practice. They want to know if it's easy to recruit people, if participants stick with the program, and if they find it helpful. If this study shows promising results, it could lead to much larger studies in the future to confirm the benefits of this self-compassion program for many more people with diabetes.

Key takeaways

This study tests an online self-compassion program for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
It aims to reduce diabetes-related distress, self-criticism, and shame.
The program is entirely online, lasting four weeks.
Researchers want to see if the program is easy to use and helpful.
Participants will be randomly assigned to start the program now or later.
Your NHS diabetes team must identify you as needing mental health support for diabetes distress.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged 18 or over and have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes by an NHS doctor at least a year ago. It's also important that you manage your diabetes yourself, rather than needing full-time help, and your NHS diabetes team believes you could benefit from mental health support due to how diabetes affects you.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are under 18, or if you are currently going through a serious mental health crisis, like severe depression or having thoughts of harming yourself. The study also needs you to be able to read and speak English, and have reliable internet access with a computer or smartphone to use the online program. If you have gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or very rare forms of diabetes, or if you're dealing with severe substance use issues, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes by an NHS doctor over a year ago?
Do you manage your diabetes yourself?
Has your NHS diabetes team said you need support for mental health due to diabetes distress?
Do you have reliable internet access and a compatible device (computer or smartphone)?
Are you able to read and speak English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first be randomly placed into one of two groups: either the group that starts the online self-compassion course right away, or a group that will get to do the course later, after the study has finished (this is called a 'waitlist control group'). The online course itself runs for four weeks.

You will be asked to complete some online questionnaires at two points. The first set of questionnaires will be at the very start of the study, within the first week. The second set will be about nine to ten weeks after you first joined. These questionnaires will ask about your feelings and how you're managing your diabetes. The total involvement for those doing the course immediately will be around 10 weeks, including the program and the follow-up questionnaires. If you are in the waitlist group, your initial involvement will be similar, and then you'll get access to the course later.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer you benefits such as learning new ways to cope with the emotional challenges of diabetes, potentially reducing distress, self-criticism, and shame, and possibly improving your overall well-being. As with any new program, there's always a chance it might not be suitable for everyone, and it might not work as expected for you. The main commitment is your time for the online course and questionnaires. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB)
Verified postcode
Bangor, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Barts Health NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is 'self-compassion'?

Self-compassion means being kind, understanding, and supportive towards yourself, especially when you are struggling or feeling challenged, just as you would be with a good friend.

Will I have to travel for this study?

No, this is an online program, so you won't need to travel to any clinics or appointments.

How long does the online course last?

The online self-compassion course is designed to be completed over four weeks.

What happens if I'm put in the 'waitlist' group?

If you're in the waitlist group, you'll still complete the questionnaires, and you'll be offered access to the online course for free once the study has finished.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and responses will be kept confidential and handled according to strict privacy rules.

How to find out more

Jodie Slevin, BSc

js1624@canterbury.ac.uk +4407539333552 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.