RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07097298

Empathy and (Self-)Compassion in Parkinson's Disease Patients and Caregivers

Empathy and (Self-)Compassion to Improve the Quality of Life of Parkinson's Disease Patients and Caregivers: an Exploratory Study

Sponsor

Alain Kaelin

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Nov 6, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Parkinson Disease (PD)

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to improve quality of life in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients by increasing their empathy and their (self-)compassion. The main question it aims to answer is: Does the level of quality of life in PD patients and caregivers improve after empathy/(self-)compassion training? Participants will be delivered a 6-week empathy and compassion training (mindfulness, writing and poetry exercises addressing the cognitive, emotional, motivational and behavioural components of (self-)compassion) and will also be asked to answer questionnaires before and after the training

Eligibility

Min Age: 50 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Inclusion Criteria10

Diagnosis of PD
Hoehn and Yahr scale, stage ≤ 3
Mini Mental State Examination with a score ≥ 26
Able to give informed consent as documented by signature
At least, secondary school education
To have a regular caregiver at home
Taking care of the patient on a regular basis, i.e., at least 3 days per week
Being caregiver of the patients for at least 3 months
At least, secondary school education
Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria6

Any medical condition that is not PD, such as drug induced parkinsonism
Major depression, dysthymia, or according to DSM-V
Other neurological or psychiatric diseases
Neuropsychological scores compatible with the diagnosis of early dementia
Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, etc
For CAREGIVERS:

Interventions

BEHAVIORALempathy and compassion training

A 6-week empathy and compassion training will be designed and delivered involving PD patients and caregivers. During the compassion training participants will do mindfulness, writing and poetry exercises