Auto-photography & anxiety among people with a learning disability
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Life through a lens: A pilot study investigating the use of auto-photography and self reported levels of anxiety amongst people with learning disabilities, a multiple baseline single case experimental design.
IRAS ID
178275
Contact name
Natalie Boulton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Previous research has used traditional talking therapies as a way of helping people with learning disabilities to manage their anxiety. Talking about life in this way may be difficult for some. Further research is necessary in order to explore how traditional language based interventions may be adapted to suit the needs of people with disabilities.
Until recently, there has been no research into how taking photographs of valuable aspects of life may affect anxiety. The aim of the current study is to assess whether taking photographs of valued aspects of life and talking about them with an experienced clinician affects self-reported levels of mood, anxiety, experiential avoidance and life satisfaction amongst people with learning disabilities.
Multiple baseline singe case experimental design methodology will be implemented (Kazdin, 1982; Barlow, Nock & Hersen, 1973; 2009). Six participants will be provided with a mobile phone equipped with a camera facility and asked to respond to a series of four text messages every three days for a maximum of 10 weeks. Once baseline stability has been reached, they will be asked to take photographs of things in their life that are important to them. Participants will be provided with a six session support intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT: Hayes, Strosahl & Wilson, 1999) principles where the content of the photographs they have taken will be explored. Text message replies will continue to be collated during this time. Participants will complete the Glasgow Anxiety Scale and Glasgow Depression Scale before and after the intervention, as well as the Bangor Life Events Scale after the intervention to assess for any significant life events that may have occurred during the course of the research.
The results of the study will inform future therapeutic work and the feasibility of the use of such methodology for people who have a learning disability.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
15/WA/0103
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion