Change mechanisms for minority ethnic youth in multisystemic therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mechanisms of engagement and change for minority ethnic young people in multisystemic therapy.
IRAS ID
173932
Contact name
Aisling Bunting
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Multisystemic therapy (MST) is a family intervention for adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with anti-social behaviour. A strong evidence base has been produced demonstrating its effectiveness, however data suggests there remains a huge gap between estimates of young people suffering from psychological disorders and the number accessing services. Research consistently shows that minority ethnic groups are underrepresented in mental health services, and experience disproportionately poorer outcomes when they do engage. Therefore, researchers focus has turned to understanding mechanisms of change in treatments, the role of diversity, and factors which influence the implementation of treatments.
This research aims to build on previous research and study the experiences of minority ethnic youth who have accessed MST treatment, to explore their views on processes of engagement and change. This qualitative study will use individual semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 1 hour to allow 10-12 participants to discuss their experiences. Factors which facilitated and hindered engagement and change will be discussed.
Participants will be recruited from MST services in London. Discharged patients will be contacted by letter from the service. Interviews will take place in the participants own home, since MST is an intervention which takes place in the home, or if this is not possible in NHS premises. All participants will give informed consent for the study. The data generated will be analysed using grounded theory methodology, adhering to quality control guidelines in published qualitative research.
The proposed research aims to contribute to the model of the mechanisms of change in MST. The model generated may then be used clinically to increase access and positive outcomes for minority ethnic young people through highlighting MST specific factors, therapeutic factors, family/systemic factors and other factors which influence engagement and change.This study is being completed as part of a doctorate and is funded by Royal Holloway, University of London.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0594
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion