Cancer patients' experiences of relational depth in therapy (V 1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cancer patients' experiences of relational depth in psychological therapy (V 1.0)
IRAS ID
238721
Contact name
Ruth Anderson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Roehampton
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
What are cancer patients’ experiences of relational depth in psychological therapy?
The proposed study is an exploration of cancer patients’ experiences of moments of relational depth with their therapist. Relational depth can be defined as ‘a state of profound contact and engagement between therapist and client’ (Mearns & Cooper, 2017, p. xvii).
Previous research with adult populations has explored moments of relational depth in the therapeutic relationship. These moments can be seen as particularly relevant for cancer patients as cancer diagnosis and treatment is often experienced as a traumatic event, and the experience of trauma can lead to psychological and physical withdrawal from others. Existing studies indicate that moments of relational depth may help individuals to reconnect with themselves and other people.
The significance of the therapeutic relationship between cancer patients and mental health professionals is supported by qualitative research. However, no studies have been identified which explore patients’ experience of moments of relational depth with their therapist.
This study is of relevance and importance as it would increase our knowledge about how and why relational depth is important for cancer patients during psychological therapy, and it could provide some indications of how therapists might facilitate this, thereby enhancing the psychological care of this population.
The patients will be recruited from the Psychological Team at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) after they complete their psychological therapy. The patients will take part in semi-structured interviews where they are asked to talk about their experience of moments of deep connection (relational depth) in psychological therapy.
The research is part of a self-funded doctorate programme in Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton. The research is expected to last one year, including recruitment, interviewing, analysis and write up.
REFERENCES
Mearns, D. & Cooper, M. (2017). Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2nd ed). London: Sage.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1161
Date of REC Opinion
17 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion