Internet Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy for Adults With Chronic Medical Conditions: Randomized Controlled Trial
Rocío Herrero1,2, Marian Martínez-Sanchis3,4, Ángel Zamora5,6
1Department of Basic, Clinical, and Psychobiology Psychology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Castellón, Spain.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Internet attachment-based compassion therapy (iABCT) shows promise for improving quality of life in adults with chronic conditions. This self-guided online intervention may overcome accessibility barriers, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Health
- Chronic Illness Management
Background:
- Chronic medical conditions frequently co-occur with mental health issues, diminishing patient quality of life.
- Compassion-based interventions offer benefits but face accessibility challenges.
- Internet-delivered interventions present a scalable solution for chronic illness populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of internet attachment-based compassion therapy (iABCT) for improving quality of life and well-being in adults with chronic medical conditions.
- To evaluate secondary psychological outcomes and the acceptability and barriers of iABCT.
- To compare iABCT against a waiting list (WL) control group.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 146 participants with chronic medical conditions.
- Participants were randomized to either an 8-week, self-guided internet attachment-based compassion therapy (iABCT) or a waiting list (WL) control.
- Primary outcomes (quality of life, well-being) and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months using web-based questionnaires.
Main Results:
- iABCT significantly improved overall quality of life compared to the WL control (Cohen d=0.62).
- Improvements in quality of life were maintained at 6-month follow-up.
- While within-group improvements were noted for well-being and other secondary outcomes, significant between-group differences were not consistently found. High satisfaction and usability were reported, but lack of therapist contact was a barrier.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests iABCT can enhance quality of life for individuals managing chronic medical conditions.
- This self-guided, internet-delivered intervention uniquely integrates attachment security and self-compassion, potentially reducing access barriers.
- Further adequately powered trials with active controls and cost-effectiveness analyses are recommended to optimize implementation.
