Investigation into Mechanisms & Moderators of Change within CBASP-G
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mentalisation and Group Cohesion: An Investigation into the Mechanisms and Moderators of Change within CBASP-G.
IRAS ID
347008
Contact name
Amy McQuillan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 4 days
Research summary
Depression is a common mental health condition characterised by low mood and depressive symptoms such as loss of motivation, low energy, low self-esteem and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The experience of these symptoms for two years or longer indicate a chronic form of depression is present, known as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). Individuals with PDD may find daily living tasks difficult such as attending work, maintaining relationships and personal care.
Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is a type of talking therapy that has been specifically designed for the treatment of PDD. It focuses on helping the individual to understand the influence of past relationships on their current feelings and social connections. It provides opportunities for learning and practicing new skills, such as considering the perspective and feelings of others during social interactions.
This study will investigate the specific way in which CBASP causes change within individuals. The underpinning theory suggests that an individual’s ability to be self-reflective and understand the intentions of others, known as mentalisation, is linked to symptom reduction. Additionally, the NHS provide CBASP in an individual and group format, and therefore a secondary research question plans to explore the influence of group delivery.
20 individuals on the waitlist of an Adult Psychological Therapies Team in NHS Lanarkshire for treatment of PDD will be invited to participate. Participants will complete weekly self-report questionnaires measuring symptom severity, interpersonal functioning, mentalisation ability and group dynamics throughout the course of the therapy, and once 3 months post-treatment. The data will then be analysed to determine if mentalisation is associated with symptom change within each participant, and if group delivery influences treatment outcomes. It is hoped that this research will inform and improve future delivery of the intervention within the NHS.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SW/0136
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion