Comparing Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness Based Self-compassion Therapy in a Psoriasis Sample

Increasing research evidence supports the effectiveness of mindfulness based interventions; however, the exact mechanisms of change are poorly understood. Some evidence proposes that self-compassion is an important mechanism of change in the effectiveness of mindfulness based interventions. The current research will evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two mindfulness meditation approaches; Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness based Self-compassion Therapy (MBSCT), for individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition commonly associated with stress. Blood analyses will be conducted to assess and compare the impact of the interventions on the immune system. Self-report questionnaires will explore participants' psychological functioning (e.g. self-compassion, depression, anxiety, worry). This study will also examine whether a relationship exists between immune functioning and psychological factors. An audio-guided MBSCT programme will be piloted, with a view to trialling as a more cost-effective alternative to traditional mindfulness interventions. Findings will enable us to design more effective interventions in the future, and yield clear results regarding the existence of a definite link between immunological functioning and psychological functioning. The main research hypothesis is that participants who complete a mindfulness based intervention will experience significantly greater psychological well-being, symptom reduction, and greater changes in telomerase and cytokine activity than individuals who only receive treatment as usual for their psoriasis.