From Shame to Compassion: Shame Memories and the Therapeutic Potential of Compassion-Focused Chairwork

Abstract

This thesis investigates the association between shame memory centrality to self and trauma reactions, and the personal experiences of a therapeutic exercise which aims to address problematic shame by cultivating compassion. It is presented as three papers. Paper 1 presents a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the association between the centrality to self of shame memories and traumatic reactions. The review identified 13 papers for inclusion in the analysis. A meta-analysis found a strong, positive association between these variables (r = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.54 – 0.64). The discussion outlines the potential clinical and research implications of this result. It also discusses some potential limitations of the review and the shame memory literature more broadly, which future researchers might address. Paper 2 presents an empirical study exploring participants’ experience of a compassion- focused imagery exercise, referred to as the ‘Compassionate Other’ or ‘Perfect Nurturer’, enacted via chairwork methods. Eight participants were interviewed. The resultant data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three group experiential themes were identified: care that feels real, chairwork processes and encountering challenges on the road to discovery. The results explore the experience of giving and receiving care, the challenges faced by participants while attempting to cultivate compassion and the potential added value of enacting the imagery exercise via chairwork techniques. The clinical implications are discussed. Paper 3 provides a critical appraisal of both research papers. This includes a discussion of the theoretical and methodological considerations entailed in the research process. It offers personal reflections about the experience of conducting the thesis, as well as a discussion about the relative contribution of the thesis to clinical psychology theory and practice.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Tobyn Bell (Supervisor) & Richard Brown (Supervisor)