The experience of moving on from a democratic therapeutic community
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study of the experience of moving on from a non-residential Democratic Therapeutic Community
IRAS ID
235003
Contact name
Nina Hewitson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 12 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to explore and understand the medium-term impacts of non-residential Democratic Therapeutic Community (DTC) membership. While there is still not a large amount of up to date research on DTCs, there have been a number of studies looking at the mechanisms of change within the DTC, as well a providing some evidence that DTCs are effective interventions for individuals with difficulties typically associated with the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. However, there is only limited data regarding the medium and long-term effects of having attended a DTC, with follow up periods usually being quite short (e.g. 6 months). The study I am proposing here will build on these findings by developing an understanding of life after leaving a non-residential DTC, focusing particularly on how easy or difficult it is to maintain changes made, what has helped and what has made it difficult.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0036
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion