Literature suggests that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is effective in improving well-being and in reducing psychopathological symptoms commonly experienced by people with chronic illness (CI). Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) reduces psychological distress, especially in individuals with high levels of shame and self-criticism, but few studies have explored CFT in CI. Additionally, studies almost exclusively compared ACT and CFT with inactive controls (wait-list; treatment as usual). Also, there is an interest in developing cost-effective mental health solutions, such as low-intensity online psychological interventions. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the acceptability and compare the efficacy of four-session online ACT (n = 25) and CFT (n = 24) interventions in a sample of people with CI. Results showed both interventions were acceptable, with attrition rates at post-intervention comparable to those found in similar studies (around 50%). Intention-to-treat analyses showed that participants presented significantly less illness-related shame, less uncompassionate self-responding and more valued living after the intervention, although no difference was found between conditions. Results were sustained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results did not find statistical differences between conditions through reliable change index (RCI). Correlation between demographics and RCI showed that, at post-intervention, younger participants presented more behavioural awareness, men presented more valued action, and participants with CI for shorter periods presented less uncompassionate self-responding and less anxiety. Results suggest that low-intensity (four sessions) online ACT and CFT are cost-effective approaches to promote mental health of individuals with CI. Results and limitations are thoroughly discussed.

中文翻译：

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在线接受和承诺疗法与以同情为中心的慢性病疗法的试点随机对照试验

文献表明，接受和承诺疗法 (ACT) 在改善幸福感和减少慢性病 (CI) 患者常见的精神病理学症状方面是有效的。以慈悲为中心的疗法 (CFT) 可减少心理困扰，尤其是在具有高度羞耻感和自我批评的个体中，但很少有研究探讨 CI 中的 CFT。此外，研究几乎完全将 ACT 和 CFT 与非活动对照（等待名单；照常治疗）进行了比较。此外，人们对开发具有成本效益的心理健康解决方案感兴趣，例如低强度的在线心理干预。这项随机对照试验 (RCT) 旨在评估四次在线 ACT ( n  = 25) 和 CFT ( n = 24) 对 CI 患者样本的干预。结果表明，两种干预措施都是可以接受的，干预后的流失率与类似研究中的流失率相当（约 50%）。意向治疗分析显示，参与者表现出与疾病相关的羞耻感显着减少，没有同情心的自我反应和更重视干预后的生活，尽管在条件之间没有发现差异。结果在 3 个月和 6 个月的随访中保持不变。结果未通过可靠变化指数 (RCI) 发现条件之间的统计差异。人口统计数据和 RCI 之间的相关性表明，在干预后，年轻参与者表现出更多的行为意识，男性表现出更有价值的行动，CI 时间较短的参与者表现出较少的无情自我反应和较少的焦虑。结果表明，低强度（四次）在线 ACT 和 CFT 是促进 CI 患者心理健康的经济有效的方法。结果和局限性被彻底讨论。