Development and piloting of a low intensity CAT-informed intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
“Breaking Old and Unhelpful Patterns“: Development and piloting of a low intensity CAT-informed intervention
IRAS ID
125003
Contact name
Jo Meadows
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Research summary
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a psychological therapy which emphasises the impact of past relationships and childhood experiences on current patterns of relating to other people and ourselves. There is an emerging evidence base for CAT, and it’s effectiveness as a psychotherapeutic intervention has been shown across a wide range of mental health difficulties. CAT is now recommended in the NICE guidelines for Eating Disorders (NICE 2004) and Borderline Personality Disorder (NICE 2009). However, there is still relatively little outcome evidence for CAT compared to other psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
The present research aims to introduce a CAT-informed guided self-help intervention for anxiety, which can be delivered over six weekly sessions using a manual. The study consists of a two phases. Phase 1 is a development phase during which the manual is written and developed by the researchers, service users and clinical psychologists working in the NHS. A first draft of the manual will be pilotted by qualified clinical psychologists in an NHS setting and formal feedback will then be sought via a focus group. Phase 2 will involve the piloting of the intervention in Sheffield IAPT service. Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) will deliver the manualised therapy over six weekly sessions. Participants will be recruited from the top of the waiting list and included in the study if they are suffering from anxiety, of working age and can read. Feasibility will be assessed by monitoring dropout rates and via feedback from focus groups with therapists. Effectiveness will be assessed via scores on a standardised battery of measures which assess mental health and wellbeing.
This research will add to the growing evidence base for CAT as a psychotherapeutic intervention, and if successful will enable IAPT services to offer an alternative short-term treatment option to clients.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0184
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion