Brief Attachment-Based Imagery Intervention in Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of a brief attachment-based imagery intervention on paranoia in psychosis: A single-case series pilot study.
IRAS ID
225815
Contact name
Cathryn Pitfield
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
The study aims to use a single-case series design to examine if a brief attachment-based imagery task reduces levels of paranoia and distress in individuals with symptoms of psychosis, e.g. with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder, after one session and at one week follow-up.The attachment based imagery task is a relatively brief intervention which involves practicing ‘holding in mind’ a positive attachment image (for example, a client may bring to mind a time when they felt nurtured by a close family member). Paranoid thoughts are one of the most common and distressing symptoms in this population. Dysfunctional emotion regulation is implicated in the development and maintenance of such symptoms and early attachment experiences can also impact on this relationship. The use of imagery is an important technique in psychological therapy, including in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and is hypothesized to provide more direct access to emotions. Previous published research has found that a single application of an attachment-based imagery intervention reduces paranoia and distress, as well as improving mood and self-compassion for individuals with sub-clinical paranoia. Approximately 6-8 participants will be recruited through Community Mental Health Teams and Early Intervention in Psychosis Teams. As part of a robust single-case series design participants will be randomly allocated to a baseline period and matched follow-up period of varying lengths. All participants will receive the intervention with one face-face session where they develop their individual imagery. The researchers voice is used to make an audio recording of their imagery, which they will be asked to listen to once a day for a week. Questionnaires will be administered to record demographic information and measure trait paranoia and attachment type. In addition, participants will complete brief state paranoia and positive/negative affect questionnaires on a daily basis in order to monitor changes over time.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0420
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion