How are changes maintained following CBT for voice hearing?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A grounded theory study exploring how changes are maintained following CBT for distressing voice hearing.
IRAS ID
272469
Contact name
Bradley Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 28 days
Research summary
This study will examine voice hearer's perceptions of how changes can be maintained following Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for distressing voices (CBTv).
CBTv is a psychological therapy for voice hearers and generally involves enhancing coping (Tarrier, Harwood, Yusopoff, Beckett & Baker, 1990), reducing unhelpful beliefs and bolstering personal resources (Hazell, Hayward, Cavanagh, Jones & Strauss, 2018b). CBTv is not limited to psychosis populations and has been applied to voice hearers transdiagnostically (Hazell et al, 2018b).
CBTv outcomes have been sustained at follow up, however, some go on to improve further after treatment whereas others show a deterioration (Wiersma, Jenner, van de Willige, Spakman & Nienhuis, 2001). Possible explanations for maintainers of changes after CBTv include greater motivation, self-efficacy, coping strategies and healthy social interaction (Palma et al, 2019; Birchwood et al, 2000; Lecomte & Lecomte, 2002; Kurtz & Mueser, 2008).
In examining the process by which changes are sustained, or improved upon, we can elucidate factors that support positive change and build this into treatment pathways following CBTv. Equally, the factors that disrupt improvements or maintenance can be considered during ttreatment and signposting to future support.
A transdiagnostic sample of 12-18 adult CBTv completers will be recruited from the Sussex Voices Clinic. All eligible clients will be invited to take part in a 1-hour, audio-recorded interview to discuss their experiences of therapeutic change during and after the intervention. Those who have completed CBTv ~6-months earlier will be prioritised for interview, but may have completed CBTv up to 12-months ago. Interviews will be at an NHS building local to the participants. Participants will be invited to give feedback on the results. A grounded theory methodology will be applied in recruitment, data collection and analysis. Analysis will look for common themes in the interview responses to construct a model of how therapeutic changes can be maintained after completing CBTv.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0306
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion