Evaluating the CBT timeline approach for older adults with depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does the timeline approach with older adults experiencing depression reduce negative affect, and result in increased self-compassion and wisdom for managing current difficulties? A single case experimental design. Tagline: Can life’s experience help counter depression?
IRAS ID
248358
Contact name
Adam Kadri
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 5 days
Research summary
This study aims to evaluate a specific psychological technique to help older adults with depression improve their mood and develop wisdom for managing current difficulties. The UK population is ageing and effective psychological therapies for older adults need to be well evaluated and developed. This study aims to develop evidence for this technique, and links between gerontological theories of wisdom and clinical psychology.
The 'timeline' technique is recommended within Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for older adults. CBT is the most evidenced based psychological treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders including depression. Outcome studies have found that older people are just as likely to respond to CBT as younger people. This technique draws on theories of wisdom, where one’s wisdom can develop from how they reflect on their life experiences. Depressed individuals may view their lives in overgeneralised negative ways, making this process harder. The timeline technique asks people to create a timeline of their lives. Through reflection and discussion of past events, they are helped to recognise personal resilience, develop self-compassion, and utilise their wisdom for managing current difficulties. This technique requires specific evaluation to determine its validity and effectiveness.
This study uses a single-case experimental research design to allow conclusions to be drawn from a small number of participants. Six individuals from primary and secondary care mental health waiting lists, as well as third sector providers, aged over 60 and experiencing depression, will be invited to take part in a short testing of this technique. Individuals will be asked to measure their mood and complete some questionnaires throughout their involvement in the study and will do this for up to 4 weeks on their own. They will then meet with a trainee clinical psychologist for five weekly sessions of a structured therapy using the timeline technique.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
19/WS/0076
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion