@article{ref1,
title="Can deficits in empathy after head injury be improved by compassionate imagery?",
journal="Neuropsychological rehabilitation",
year="2012",
author="O'Neill, M. and McMillan, T. M.",
volume="22",
number="6",
pages="836-851",
abstract="Severe head injury (SHI) can result in problems in empathising, which in turn is associated with social difficulties. Compassionate imagery can increase compassion in non-brain injured people and can alter how they relate to themselves and others. This preliminary study investigates whether compassionate imagery can increase empathy in those with low empathy after SHI. A between-group repeated measures design was used wth 24 participants with severe SHI and low empathy, randomly allocated to a single treatment session of compassionate imagery or a control condition of relaxation. Empathy, self-compassion and relaxation were assessed pre- and post-intervention and fear of compassion pre-intervention as a potential covariate. A group effect of compassionate imagery on empathy was not found, F(1, 21) = 0.12, p = .73. A non-specific increase in self-compassion approached significance, T = 78.00, p = 0.07, r = -.26. Fear of compassion did not correlate significantly with changes in self-compassion or empathy. Demographic and injury factors associated with SHI that may impact on treatment effectiveness are discussed. Further research that takes these factors into account is warranted.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0960-2011",
doi="10.1080/09602011.2012.691886",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2012.691886"
}