Examining the processes of change in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Examining the processes of change in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Borderline Pattern Personality Disorder; a hermeneutic single case efficacy design.
IRAS ID
334914
Contact name
Nima Moghaddam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 16 days
Research summary
Borderline Pattern Personality Disorder (BPPD) is a diagnostic label used for people who experience long-standing difficulties with relationships, emotion regulation and often engaging in impulsive and/or risk-taking behaviours such as self-harm, alcohol/drug use and overdoses. The current guidance for the treatment of BPPD is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which consists of a yearlong programme including weekly individual therapy and a skills group. The patient and therapist work together to reduce the patients’ behaviours that pose the highest risk through discovering their triggers and early warning signs, and teaching skills to help them manage the difficulties.
Research shows that DBT works for the difficulties associated with BPPD, but there is little information on what the ‘active ingredients’ of the therapy are, therefore we are unsure exactly what elements help cause change for people. This study aims to investigate these processes of change by collecting a rich case record of five people during the first 12 weeks of DBT to find out what has changed and try to determine what the causes of the change are. This can include events that happen both in the therapy and in their day-to-day lives. Participants will complete their DBT treatment as usual, plus complete some additional psychometric questionnaires and two interviews at the 6 and 12 week point regarding any changes they have experienced.
With all the information collected, two opposing cases will be written; one arguing the therapy is the reason for the change, and the other arguing that the therapy has not caused any change or is not the reason for it. These cases will be sent to psychotherapy experts who will act as judges, like that in a courtroom. The results of these will then be linked to previous research to help establish what the processes of change in DBT are.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0189
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion