helpinG caRers suppOrt yOung Voice hEarers (GROOVE)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
helpinG caRers suppOrt yOung Voice hEarers: A feasibility study of a psychoeducation and CBT informed workshop for carers of young voice hearers (GROOVE)
IRAS ID
294534
Contact name
Annabelle Deane
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 29 days
Research summary
Voice hearing experiences occur across the lifespan but are more common in younger populations. Although voices often go away without treatment and are not reported as significantly worrying for younger individuals, some young voice hearers find them distressing and need mental health support. Research on supporting young voice hearers is limited but recent evidence suggests that a psychological therapy approach called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be helpful. Findings from adult-based research suggest carers can be supported to help voice-hearers put CBT techniques into practise at home. Interventions increasing knowledge for carers may also help to destigmatise voices and facilitate more conversations about them. The proposed study extends previous research by focusing specifically on the carers of young voice hearers. The study aims to deliver a series of one off, 2 hour 30 minutes online workshops to 30 carers of young voice hearers who are supported by children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). The workshop will contain information about voice hearing and coping techniques used in CBT which can help reduce distress associated with voices. This study is a first step in exploring carer-focused interventions for young voice hearers and so the research aim will not be to explore how clinically effective the workshop is for young voice hearers. Instead, this study will explore; 1) how feasible the workshop is to deliver as a research study, and 2) the acceptability of the study process and workshop to carers. The study will also explore secondary outcomes including if the intervention improves carer attitudes to voices, knowledge of voices and confidence to have a conversation about voices with a young person. After consent is obtained, participants will attend the online workshop and be asked to complete questionnaire measures at the workshop and at a four-week follow up assessment conducted via telephone.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0098
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion