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Petrocchi, Nicola
Institutional profile
Niki (Nicola) Petrocchi, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at JCU, where she teaches courses in Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Psychological Assessment.
Her teaching integrates scientific rigor with experiential and reflective practices, with a strong emphasis on applying psychological knowledge to real-world contexts. Her research focuses on compassion, self-criticism, and emotion regulation, particularly within the framework of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). She is interested in the psychophysiological and motivational mechanisms underlying mental health, including heart rate variability, social mentalities, and the role of compassion in buffering psychological distress. Her work also explores innovative intersections between psychotherapy and emerging areas such as psychedelic-assisted interventions.
Professor Petrocchi's website
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Publication Search Results
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Publication Metadata only A three-arm randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of mindful compassion for perfectionism in reducing perfectionistic cognitions(American Psychological Association, 2024) Cheli, Simone; Cavalletti, Veronica; Goldzweig, Gil; Bui, Sara; Petrocchi, Nicola; Flett, Gordon L.; Hewitt, Paul L.The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of mindful compassion for perfectionism (MCP). MCP is an 8-week group intervention that integrates compassion-focused therapy and dynamic relational therapy and has been previously pilot-tested in a few case series. Seventy-two postgraduate students with clinically high perfectionistic traits were randomly assigned either to a control group (wait-list) or two different formats of MCP (online or in-person). Primary outcomes were feasibility (safety, completion, adherence) of MCP and change in perfectionistic cognitions between active treatments and control group. Secondary analyses explored pre–post changes and differences between the two active groups in perfectionistic cognitions, psychosocial distress, group functioning, and self-soothing. No dropouts or unwanted adverse events were reported, 6.25% of participants missed a single session and 8.33% were excluded from the study for having missed more than one. MCP treatments—both individually and as a unique group—showed a greater reduction of perfectionistic cognitions and psychosocial distress than wait-list (ηp² ranging between .565 and .591). In-person MCP indicated a greater reduction of perfectionistic cognitions and psychosocial distress and a greater increase in group functioning and self-soothing than online MCP (ηp² ranging between .157 and .394). These findings suggest the feasibility and efficacy of MCP in reducing perfectionistic cognitions and psychosocial distress. The in-person format is seemingly more effective than the online format. Further research is needed to confirm these results.Publication Open Access Modulatory effects of transcranial direct current stimulation of right insula on compassion motivation(2023) Di Bello, Maria; Giudetti, Federica; Palani, Sowmya; Petrocchi, Nicola; McIntosh, Roger; Ottaviani, CristinaBackground Compassion motivation is associated with increased heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting a calm and self-soothing physiological state. Recent work, however, suggests that this association is dynamic for the specific components of compassion. Objectives The present study adopted anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the right insula to see whether this would modulate the sensitivity to suffering and the commitment to engage in helpful actions (i.e., the components of compassion motivation). Method Ninety-seven healthy individuals underwent 15-min anodal or sham tDCS over the frontotemporal lobe, while watching a video inducing empathic sensitivity and performing a Redistribution Game. Tonic and phasic HRV, dispositional traits, and momentary affects were assessed. Results Compared to sham condition, anodal stimulation favored significant i) HRV reductions during the video and HRV increases during the Redistribution Game; ii) decreases in self-reported levels of negative affect and increases in positive affect during task when the latter was preceded by the video, without influencing altruistic behavior. Conclusions Anodal tDCS over the right insula may modulate the engagement phase of compassion by intensifying the psychophysiological sensitivity to signals of distress and protecting from being subjectively overwhelmed by it.Publication Open Access Compassion Focused Group Therapy for People With a Diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Feasibility Study(2022) Gilbert, Paul; Basran, Jaskaran; Raven, Joanne; Petrocchi, Nicola; Cheli, Simone; Rayner, Andrew; Hayes, Alison; Lucre, Kate; Minou, Paschalina; Giles, David; Byrne, Frances; Newton, Elizabeth; McEwan, KirstenBackground: Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is an evolutionary informed, biopsychosocial approach to mental health problems and therapy. It suggests that evolved motives (e.g., for caring, cooperating, competing) are major sources for the organisation of psychophysiological processes which underpin mental health problems. Hence, evolved motives can be targets for psychotherapy. People with certain types of depression are psychophysiologically orientated towards social competition and concerned with social status and social rank. These can give rise to down rank-focused forms of social comparison, sense of inferiority, worthlessness, lowered confidence, submissive behaviour, shame proneness and self-criticism. People with bipolar disorders also experience elevated aspects of competitiveness and up rank status evaluation. These shift processing to a sense of superiority, elevated confidence, energised behaviour, positive affect and social dominance. This is the first study to explore the feasibility of a 12 module CFT group, tailored to helping people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder understand the impact of evolved competitive, status-regulating motivation on their mental states and the value of cultivating caring and compassion motives and their psychophysiological regulators. Methods: Six participants with a history of bipolar disorder took part in a CFT group consisting of 12 modules (over 25 sessions) as co-collaborators to explore their personal experiences of CFT and potential processes of change. Assessment of change was measured via self-report, heart rate variability (HRV) and focus groups over three time points. Results: Although changes in self-report scales between participants and across time were uneven, four of the six participants consistently showed improvements across the majority of self-report measures. Heart rate variability measures revealed significant improvement over the course of the therapy. Qualitative data from three focus groups revealed participants found CFT gave them helpful insight into: how evolution has given rise to a number of difficult problems for emotion regulation (called tricky brain) which is not one’s fault; an evolutionary understanding of the nature of bipolar disorders; development of a compassionate mind and practices of compassion focused visualisations, styles of thinking and behaviours; addressing issues of self-criticism; and building a sense of a compassionate identity as a means of coping with life difficulties. These impacted their emotional regulation and social relationships. Conclusion: Although small, the study provides evidence of feasibility, acceptability and engagement with CFT. Focus group analysis revealed that participants were able to switch from competitive focused to compassion focused processing with consequent improvements in mental states and social behaviour. Participants indicated a journey over time from ‘intellectually’ understanding the process of building a compassionate mind to experiencing a more embodied sense of compassion that had significant impacts on their orientation to (and working with) the psychophysiological processes of bipolar disorder.Publication Open Access Multiple Group IRT Measurement Invariance Analysis of the Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale in Thirteen International Samples(2019) Halamová, Júlia; Kanovský, Martin; Gilbert, Paul; Troop, Nicholas A.; Zuroff, David C.; Petrocchi, Nicola; Hermanto, Nicola; Krieger, Tobias; Kirby, James N.; Asano, Kenichi; Matos, Marcela; Yu, FuYa; Sommers-Spijkerman, Marion; Shahar, Ben; Basran, Jaskaran; Kupeli, NuriyeThe purpose of this study was to examine the measurement invariance of the Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) in terms of Item Response Theory differential test functioning in thirteen distinct samples (N = 7714) from twelve different countries. We assessed differential test functioning for the three FSCRS subscales, Inadequate-Self, Hated-Self and Reassured-Self separately. 32 of the 78 pairwise comparisons between samples for Inadequate-Self, 42 of the 78 pairwise comparisons for Reassured-Self and 54 of the 78 pairwise comparisons for Hated-Self demonstrated no differential test functioning, i.e. measurement invariance. Hated-Self was the most invariant of the three subscales, suggesting that self-hatred is similarly perceived across different cultures. Nonetheless, all three subscales of FSCRS are sensitive to cross-cultural differences. Considering the possible cultural and linguistic differences in the expression of self-criticism and self-reassurance, future analyses of the meanings and connotations of these constructs across the world are necessary in order to develop or tailor a scale which allows cross-cultural comparisons of various treatment outcomes related to self-criticism.Publication Open Access Compassion Is Not a Benzo: Distinctive Associations of Heart Rate Variability With Its Empathic and Action Components(2021) Di Bello, Maria; Ottaviani, Cristina; Petrocchi, NicolaRecent studies have linked compassion with higher vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), a measure of parasympathetic activity, and meta-analytic evidence confirmed significant and positive associations. Compassion, however, is not to be confused with soothing positive emotions: in order to engage in actions aimed to alleviate (self or others) suffering, the pain should resonate, and empathic sensitivity should be experienced first. The present study examined the association between vmHRV and the empathic sensitivity and action components of trait and state compassion. To do so, several dispositional questionnaires were administered and two videos inducing empathic sensitivity (video 1) and compassionate actions (video 2) were shown, while the ECG was continuously recorded, and momentary affect was assessed. Results showed that (i) scores on subscales assessing the empathic component of trait compassion were inversely related to resting vmHRV; (ii) vmHRV decreased after video 1 but significantly increased after video 2. As to momentary affect, video 1 was accompanied with an increase in sadness and a decrease in positive affect, whereas video 2 was characterized by an increase in anger, a parallel decrease in sadness, and an increase (although non-significant) in positive affect. Overall, present findings support the notion that it is simplistic to link compassion with higher vmHRV. Compassion encompasses increased sensitivity to emotional pain, which is naturally associated with lower vmHRV, and action to alleviate others’ suffering, which is ultimately associated with increased vmHRV. The importance of adopting a nuanced perspective on the complex physiological regulation that underlies compassionate responding to suffering is discussed.Publication Open Access Safe in my heart: resting heart rate variability longitudinally predicts emotion regulation, worry, and sense of safeness during COVID-19 lockdown(2022) Makovaca, Elena; Carnevali, Luca; Medina, Sonia; Sgoifo, Andrea; Petrocchi, Nicola; Ottaviani, CristinaResting heart rate variability (HRV), a surrogate index of cardiac vagal modulation, is considered a putative biomarker of stress resilience as it reflects the ability to effectively regulate emotions in a changing environment. However, most studies are cross-sectional, precluding longitudinal inferences. The high degree of uncertainty and fear at a global level that characterizes the COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique opportunity to explore the utility of HRV measures as longitudinal predictors of stress resilience. This study examined whether resting measures of HRV prior to the COVID-19 outbreak (i.e. nearly 2 years before; Time 0) could predict emotion regulation strategies and daily affect in healthy adults during the May 2020 lockdown (Time 1). Moreover, we evaluated the association between HRV measures, emotion regulation strategies, subjective perception of COVID-19 risk, and self-reported depressive symptoms at Time 1. Higher resting HRV at Time 0 predicted a stronger engagement in more functional emotion regulation strategies, as well as of higher daily feelings of safeness and reduced daily worry at Time 1. Moreover, depressive symptoms negatively correlated with HRV and positively correlated with the subjective perception of COVID-19 risk at Time 1. Current data support the view that HRV might not only be a marker but also a precursor of resilience under stressful times.Publication Open Access Improvements in Compassion and Fears of Compassion throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multinational Study(2023) Matos, Marcela; McEwan, Kirsten; Kanovský, Martin; Halamová, Júlia; Steindl, Stanley R.; Ferreira, Nuno; Linharelhos, Mariana; Rijo, Daniel; Asano, Kenichi; Vilas, Sara P.; Márquez, Margarita G.; Gregório, Sónia; Brito-Pons, Gonzalo; Lucena-Santos, Paola; da Silva Oliveira, Margareth; Leonardo de Souza, Erika; Llobenes, Lorena; Gumiy, Natali; Costa, Maria Ileana; Habib, Noor; Hakem, Reham; Khrad, Hussain; Alzahrani, Ahmad; Cheli, Simone; Petrocchi, Nicola; Tholouli, Elli; Issari, Philia; Simos, Gregoris; Lunding-Gregersen, Vibeke; Elklit, Ask; Kolts, Russell; Kelly, Allison C.; Bortolon, Catherine; Delamillieure, Pascal; Paucsik, Marine; Wahl, Julia E.; Zieba, Mariusz; Zatorski, Mateusz; Komendziński, Tomasz; Zhang, Shuge; Basran, Jaskaran; Kagialis, Antonios; Kirby, James N.; Gilbert, PaulDuring large-scale disasters, social support, caring behaviours, and compassion are shown to protect against poor mental health outcomes. This multi-national study aimed to assess the fluctuations in compassion over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (Time 1 n = 4156, Time 2 n = 980, Time 3 n = 825) from 23 countries completed online self-report questionnaires measuring the flows of compassion (i.e., Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales) and fears of compassion toward self and others and from others (i.e., Fears of Compassion Scales) and mental health at three time-points during a 10-month period. The results for the flows of compassion showed that self-compassion increased at Time 3. Compassion for others increased at Time 2 and 3 for the general population, but in contrast, it decreased in health professionals, possibly linked to burnout. Compassion from others did not change in Time 2, but it did increase significantly in Time 3. For fears of compassion, fears of self-compassion reduced over time, fears of compassion for others showed more variation, reducing for the general public but increasing for health professionals, whilst fears of compassion from others did not change over time. Health professionals, those with compassion training, older adults, and women showed greater flows of compassion and lower fears of compassion compared with the general population, those without compassion training, younger adults, and men. These findings highlight that, in a period of shared suffering, people from multiple countries and nationalities show a cumulative improvement in compassion and reduction in fears of compassion, suggesting that, when there is intense suffering, people become more compassionate to self and others and less afraid of, and resistant to, compassion.Publication Open Access A Tailored Compassion-Focused Therapy Program for Sexual Minority Young Adults with Depressive Symotomatology: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial(2017) Pepping, Christopher A.; Lyons, Anthony; McNair, Ruth; Kirby, James N.; Petrocchi, Nicola; Gilbert, PaulBackground Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) men and women represent one of the highest-risk populations for depressive symptomatology and disorders, with young LGB adults being at greatest risk. To date, there have been no randomized controlled trials (RCT) to specifically target depressive symptoms in young LGB adults. This is despite research highlighting unique predictors of depressive symptomatology in this population. Here we outline a protocol for an RCT that will test the preliminary efficacy of a tailored compassion-focused therapy (CFT) intervention for young LGB adults compared with a self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program with no specific tailoring for LGB individuals. Methods The CFT intervention consists of 8 units with self-directed reading and activities tailored to LGB young adults, and 8 x weekly 1-hour consultations with a therapist. The CBT intervention consists of 8 units with self-guided reading and activities, with 1 x 1-hour session with a therapist at the mid-point of therapy. Fifty LGB individuals with scores of 13 or above on the Beck Depression Inventory-II will be randomized to either the CFT or CBT condition. The primary outcome measure is depressive symptomatology. Secondary outcome measures are symptoms of anxiety, suicidal ideation, internalized homophobia, self-compassion, and shame and guilt proneness. Assessments will occur at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3-month post-intervention. Discussion This study is an RCT to test the preliminary efficacy of an LGB-tailored compassion-focused intervention for young LGB adults with depressive symptomatology. If this intervention is efficacious, this could begin to address the substantial mental health disparities amongst sexual minorities.Publication Open Access Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness: Development of a Self-Report Scale(2023) Gilbert, Paul; Basran, Jaskaran; Plowright, Ptarmigan; Matos, Marcela; Kirby, James N.; Petrocchi, NicolaObjectives The aim of the study was to develop a new self-report scale to explore the “fears, blocks and resistances of mindfulness”. Currently, there is no scale to identify individuals who may struggle with engaging in mindfulness. Method A total of 522 participants were invited to take part in the study from three countries: Australia (n = 199), Portugal (n = 160), and the UK (n = 163). Participants completed a range of self-report scales including the newly developed Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness (FRM), Fears of Compassion, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales, Forms of Self-criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Results Factor analyses suggested the scale comprised 2 factors. One was related to fears of paying attention to what arises within one’s mind. The second factor was related to resistances, i.e. that mindfulness is a waste of time. Seven items were filler items, and 5 items were identified as problematic due to low communalities or cross-loading; therefore from the original 31 items, 19 were retained in the final scale, which demonstrated excellent internal consistency (McDonald’s Ω = 0.90 for both scales), good construct validity, and temporal stability. Blocks to mindfulness did not emerge as a separate factor. Conclusions This is the first study to specifically explore fears and resistances to mindfulness and their associations with fears of compassion, self-criticism, and mental health difficulties. Data suggested that fears and resistances are distinct constructs and should be measured independently. The new measure can offer insights in to fears and resistances to mindfulness, and future research can explore how to work with them.Publication Open Access Compassion-Focused Group Therapy for Treatment-Resistant OCD: Initial Evaluation Using a Multiple Baseline Design(2021) Petrocchi, Nicola; Cosentino, Teresa; Pellegrini, Valerio; Femia, Giuseppe; D'Innocenzo, Antonella; Mancini, FrancescoObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that can easily become a treatment-resistant condition. Although effective therapies exist, only about half of the patients seem to benefit from them when we consider treatment refusal, dropout rates, and residual symptoms. Thus, providing effective augmentation to standard therapies could improve existing treatments. Group compassion-focused interventions have shown promise for reducing depression, anxiety, and avoidance related to various clinical problems, but this approach has never been evaluated for OCD individuals. However, cultivating compassion for self and others seems crucial for OCD patients, given the accumulating research suggesting that fear of guilt, along with isolation and self-criticism, can strongly contribute to the development and maintenance of OCD. The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the acceptability, tolerability, and effectiveness of an 8-week group compassion-focused intervention for reducing OCD symptoms, depression, fear of guilt and self-criticism, and increasing common humanity and compassionate self-reassuring skills in treatment-resistant OCD patients. Using a multiple baseline experimental design, the intervention was evaluated in a sample of OCD patients (N = 8) who had completed at least 6 months of CBT treatment for OCD, but who continued to suffer from significant symptoms. Participants were randomized to different baseline assessment lengths; they then received 8 weekly, 120-min group sessions of compassion-focused therapy for OCD (CFT-OCD), and then were tested again at post-treatment and at 1 month follow up. Despite the adverse external circumstances (post-treatment and follow-up data collection were carried out, respectively, at the beginning and in the middle of the Italian lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic), by the end of treatment, all participants demonstrated reliable decreases in OCD symptoms, and these improvements were maintained at 4-week follow-up for seven of eight participants. The intervention was also associated with improvements in fear of guilt, self-criticism, and self-reassurance, but less consistent improvements in depression and common humanity. Participants reported high levels of acceptability of and satisfaction with the intervention. Results suggest that the intervention may be beneficial as either a stand-alone treatment or as an augmentation to other treatments.
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