Dispositional forgiveness buffers paranoia following interpersonal transgression.

OBJECTIVE: To test a novel proposition that dispositional forgiveness has the unrecognized benefit of buffering feelings of paranoia following negative interpersonal experiences and interpersonal transgressions. METHODS: In Study 1 (N = 128), we used an experimental paradigm, the Prisoner's Dilemma Game (PDG), to test the premise that an interpersonal transgression increases state paranoia. Study 2 (N = 180) used a longitudinal design to test the central proposition that dispositional forgiveness buffers state paranoia following naturally occurring difficult (vs pleasant) interpersonal events. Study 3 (N = 102) used a novel experimental paradigm to determine the causal effect of manipulating forgiveness on paranoia. RESULTS: In Study 1, interpersonal transgressions in the PDG increased paranoia. In Study 2, paranoia was higher following difficult (rather than pleasant) events, and higher levels of dispositional forgiveness moderated the negative effect of difficult events on paranoia. In Study 3, there was a causal effect of forgiveness on (reduced) paranoia. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first evidence that (1) interpersonal transgressions increase paranoia, (2) high dispositional forgiveness moderates the deleterious effect of interpersonal transgression on paranoia, and (3) dispositional forgiveness is causally related to less paranoia.

Emotions in play: young people's and clinicians' experience of 'Thinking about Emotions' group.

PURPOSE: Emotional difficulties in young people (YP) with anorexia nervosa (AN) are well recognised. Improved strategies are needed to support inpatients to tolerate group therapy and to help them to better identify and manage their emotions. Cognitive Remediation and Emotion Skills Training (CREST) for AN adults, aimed at improving emotional processing skills, has been found beneficial in adult AN groups. A case series of CREST was conducted in an inpatient ward for YP (CREST-YP) to evaluate its suitability for a younger population. METHODS: A mixed-methods assessment was used. Thirty-two YP and 3 facilitators took part in qualitative interviews. YP (n = 32) also completed pre- and post-self-report questionnaires assessing emotional functioning. RESULTS: Preliminary qualitative results showed that YP found it helpful to learn about emotion processes. More support is needed to clarify the link between emotions and AN. Quantitative results showed no significant changes in YP's self-perceived emotional functioning. Although no statistically significant changes were observed, a small increase in YP's use of both reappraisal (standardised mean changes scores, SMCC 0.22) and suppression (SMCC - 0.22) as a means to regulate their emotions was found. CONCLUSIONS: Pilot findings suggest that CREST-YP is a suitable intervention for YP with AN. Age-appropriate adaptations are needed to improve YP's engagement in group CREST. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series.

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) in a specialist inpatient eating disorder service for children and adolescents: CAN-CRT study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Research on treatments for young people (YP) with anorexia nervosa (AN) is scarce. Evidence supports the use of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) to improve central coherence and set-shifting, inefficiencies that can negatively impact on prognosis. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of individual CRT in an inpatient setting for YP aged 10-18 years with AN and to qualitatively examine YP's and their parents experiences. METHOD: In a single-centre, pilot, randomised controlled trial, 80 patients aged 10-18 years with AN will be randomly allocated to the immediate or delayed CRT group, in addition to standard treatment. A repeated measures design will be conducted across 3 time points. DISCUSSION: The data will provide evidence regarding the feasibility of individual CRT in YP with AN, informing directions of further development of CRT. The study is in preparation for a definitive randomised controlled trial. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the study protocol.

Are mindfulness groups more mindful face to face or online? A comparison of delivering a mindfulness based well-being group for parents of children with a chronic health condition.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Mindfulness has been shown to be an effective group intervention for adults and children living with a range of medical conditions. Recently, research has also explored the impact of mindfulness interventions offered to parents of children with health conditions. Few studies have examined whether the mode of delivery (face-to-face vs online) has an impact on outcomes. METHODS: Four mindfulness based wellbeing courses for parents (MBWP) of children with a chronic medical condition were run (two face to face and two online). All parents (N=37) completed the WHO Well-being Questionnaire and Neff Self-Compassion Scale Questionnaire-Short Form at the beginning and end of each course. Parents' experience of the course was also explored using a semi-structured interview 6 weeks after completing the course, with their responses analysed using Thematic analysis. RESULTS: The groups had a statistically significant positive impact on both parent well-being and self-compassion and were equally effective face-to-face or online. All parents reported incorporating informal mindfulness practices into their day-to-day lives 6 weeks post-course The qualitative analysis highlighted improvements in present moment focus, kindness to self, and family relationships. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Parents valued connecting with other parents of young people with both similar and different medical conditions, within both face-to-face and online groups, increasing the accessibility of MBWP.