Change with PCP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing change with Psychodynamic Couple Psychotherapy: A pilot study using a mixed methods approach
IRAS ID
277737
Contact name
Felicitas Rost
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NOCLOR
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 27 days
Research summary
Relationship problems are among the most frequently cited causes of acute emotional distress. As a consequence, many relationships experience periods of significant distress that puts them at risk of separation or symptom development, such as anxiety or depression, in one or both partners throughout their lives. This pilot study aims at finding out if and how psychodynamic couple psychotherapy (PCP) may be beneficial for couples who are seeking help at the Tavistock Clinic for their relationship problems. By couple, we mean any adult relationship between two partners which includes couples from sexual and gender minorities and BAME communities. Couples referred to and on the waiting list for PCP at the Tavistock Clinic will be approached and asked to participate. The planned sample size will be approximately ten couples.
The study objectives are two-fold: Firstly, to assess the feasibility of the study in order to determine whether the study protocol is realistic and would result in a successful trial as a next step. Secondly, to collect pilot data on (a) diagnostic and characteristic descriptions of the couples that get referred to the Tavistock Clinic for PCP and (b) the effectiveness of a course of 12 months, once-weekly PCP on the couple. The latter we want to explore from three perspectives: change measured by validated outcome measures used by other studies investigating the outcome of Couples Psychotherapy, change formulation from the therapists’ perspective and change formulation from the couples’ perspective.
As such, treatment outcomes and feasibility assessments will be assessed using a combination of quantitative questionnaires and qualitative semi-structured interviews. All self-report and observer-rated questionnaires are completed at intake, after 6 months of therapy and at the end of therapy.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
20/WA/0342
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion