The Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy on Love Trauma Syndrome (Single Case)

Romantic relationships are a common global experience among human beings; however, many people experience the breakup of a romantic relationship and may suffer after the end of the romantic relationship. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) on love trauma syndrome.

Methods and Materials:

 The method of this study was quasi-experimental and case studies. For this purpose, three female participants with the experience in romantic relationships were selected by purposive sampling in Isfahan and treated by an individual who focused on compassion during eight 90-minute sessions. Participants in the treatment phase (baseline, intervention, and follow-up) answered the Peasant Love Trauma Syndrome Questionnaire (2010). In the pre-treatment phase, the Ross Love Trauma Questionnaire (1999) and the MMPI-2RF Questionnaire were interviewed clinically. Data were analyzed by visual mapping, baseline change index, and recovery percentage formula.

The improvement rates in the love trauma symptoms variable in the post-intervention and follow-up stages were 95% and 50% in the first participant, 50% and 31% in the second participant, and 16% and 41% in the third participant, respectively. Thus, the overall recovery rates for all the three participants were 55% and 41%, respectively, indicating good and moderate treatment success in the short and long terms, respectively.

CFT with compassionate topical cultivation provides the opportunity for clients to go through the healing process with full awareness of their own painful experiences. Research results can be used by psychologists and counselors.