ACT for Distress Experienced by Carers of People with Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
ACT for Distress Experienced by Carers of People with Psychosis: A Feasibility Study
IRAS ID
256355
Contact name
Ross White
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool Clinical Governance Team
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 28 days
Research summary
Research shows that one half to two-thirds of carers experience higher rates of mental health difficulties compared to the general population. This may be due to the stressful nature of caring for someone, the lack of time carers have for themselves and possibly not having access to coping skills that may improve well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a variant of cognitive behaviour therapy that aims to encourage acknowledgement and acceptance of mental experiences, increasing individual’s ability to be “psychologically flexible” in working with stressful situations. ACT has been used successfully in studies for physical health conditions, cancer, and psychosis. This is due to ACT’s philosophy of changing peoples’ reaction to distress to foster a life worth living despite difficulties faced. This study will explore the feasibility of recruiting and retaining carers of individuals with psychosis to a 4 session ACT group intervention, and the acceptability of the intervention and assessment measures for evaluating the intervention.
Phase 1 of the study involves an ACT group-based intervention. Two of these groups will be run, with the aim of recruiting 12 carers to each group; a total of 24 participants. This element of the study will be a repeated measures, within-group design and will utilise an uncontrolled feasibility study methodology. Participation involves completion of an introductory questionnaire and attendance of four weekly ACT group sessions. To explore the effects of ACT, questionnaire measures will be taken at baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, and 8 weeks post-intervention (follow-up).
Phase 2 of the study will involve an optional focus group for participants who complete the group intervention to discuss their experience of the intervention. This will elicit information around the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0388
Date of REC Opinion
29 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion