CATCH: A feasibility trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive Analytic Therapy-informed Containment for self-Harm (CATCH): A Feasibility Trial
IRAS ID
257582
Contact name
Peter Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is when somebody engages in self-harm, such as cutting, without meaning to end his or her life. A large number of people engage in NSSI for lots of reasons, for example to cope with emotions. However, currently there are large waiting lists to access psychological therapy through the NHS. Therefore, it is important to research brief therapies so that individuals who engage in NSSI can receive treatment quicker. One potentially helpful therapy suggested is Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), which focuses on patterns in relationships. NSSI can be understood as a way in which people relate to themselves, which suggests that CAT would fit well in terms of understanding and working with these difficulties.
This study aims to evaluate a brief two-session CAT-informed therapy for people who engage in NSSI. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the therapy, using interviews and questionnaires. This means looking at whether participants stick with the therapy, and how they find taking part in the therapy.
All participants will meet with a researcher for an initial session to complete baseline questionnaires about their current difficulties, thoughts and feelings. Participants will then be randomly allocated to a condition: either the therapy condition or the treatment-as-usual (TAU) condition. Participants in the therapy condition will receive two therapy sessions, whilst participants in the TAU condition will not receive any therapy sessions. All participants will attend a final session to complete more questionnaires. Participants will be asked to complete online surveys weekly. Some participants will be invited to take part in interviews about their experience of the therapy. All participants will receive a shopping voucher as compensation for their time. Using the data collected from this study, future work can be done to provide better treatment for people who engage in NSSI.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0176
Date of REC Opinion
28 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion