Shame, paranoia and psychological distress: The influence of an online self-compassion intervention

Background: High levels of shame are frequently reported in individuals with experiences of paranoia, and recent literature suggests that shame is an important factor in the development of paranoia following stressful life events. Psychological therapies that involve the development of self-compassion are designed to address high levels of shame, and emerging evidence suggests promise for the effectiveness of these interventions for individuals with paranoia. However, there have been no studies to date that examine the specific relationship between shame, self-compassion and paranoia. Method: A randomised group comparison design was used to investigate the efficacy of a web-based intervention designed to increase self-compassion in reducing levels of shame and paranoia when compared to a control intervention. Results: The experimental intervention did not increase levels of self-compassion in participants, and therefore it was not possible to assess the impact of this on levels of shame and paranoia. However, the self-compassion intervention did reduce general psychological distress in participants randomised to that condition. Cross-sectional analyses revealed a number of significant correlations between self-compassion, shame and paranoia. Conclusions: The results suggest that a brief online intervention may not be sufficiently intensive to increase self-compassion, but that such interventions may be of use in reducing more general psychological distress. Self-compassion, shame and paranoia all seem to be related, but further experimental research is needed to better establish the processes through which self-compassion interacts with shame to influence experiences of paranoia.