Acceptability and feasibility of a values-focused imagery study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The acceptability & feasibility of a brief values-orientated imagery intervention for persecutory delusions: A Single Case Experimental Design
IRAS ID
366869
Contact name
Nerusaa Sriramasothy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 4 days
Research summary
Persecutory experiences are strong fears and worries that others are trying to harm them. These fears can include being watched or followed without clear evidence. Some people also experience these fears through disturbing mental images that appear in their mind. As a result, young people with First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) who have experienced their first occurrence of unusual beliefs or perceptions can feel extremely unsafe and not be able to get involved in things that really matter to them (values).
Previous research has shown that distress caused by disturbing mental images can be reduced. Young people with psychosis have expressed the importance of values such as security and tradition more than personal growth. This can explain why young people with FEP may struggle with motivation. Therefore, using imagery based therapeutic interventions with a focus on personal values could help young people feel safe enough to part-take in activities that matter to them.
The study will test how acceptable and practical it is to deliver a novel brief therapy that combines imagery and values work in 18-25 year olds experiencing FEP with distressing mental imagery at the West London Early Intervention service (EIP) in Psychosis.
The study will last around 12-weeks for each participant. They will complete questionnaires at four time points: 2-4 weeks before starting therapy, at the start, end of therapy and four-weeks later. Participants will receive six-weekly sessions, complete single-item measures weekly three times from baseline up to 4-week post-therapy and they will also be asked how satisfied and acceptable they found the therapy.
The research study aims to address three key questions: 1) Is the novel brief intervention acceptable and feasible to deliver? 2) Can the intervention reduce distress associated with persecutory mental images? 3) Can any reported improvements be sustained for up to four weeks after the end of therapy?
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0181
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion