Social integration and complex emotional needs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring social support in community mental health services for people who have complex emotional needs.
IRAS ID
362232
Contact name
Imogen Parker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 10 days
Research summary
Whilst there is ample evidence supporting the inclusion of interventions to increase social integration and address loneliness in the treatment of Complex Emotional Needs (CEN), there is less evidence to support the most effective approach to doing so. Additionally, there appears to be limited evidence about what factors of social integration interventions patients found most (or least) impactful. The study aims to explore patients' experiences of social support being integrated into their care, focusing on any barriers and enablers they identify, as well as the perceived long-term impact. To do this, between 10 and 20 participants will be recruited and interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Any individual aged 18 or above who identifies, or has been diagnosed with either 'personality disorder' or 'complex emotional need' and has accessed mental health support for these conditions within the community is eligible. Interviews will take place either online or in person. The research is being completed as part of the researcher's doctoral training in Clinical Psychology. It is hoped that the findings in this paper can help guide clinical practice and service delivery in the community for the CEN population.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0042
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion