An emotional regulation approach to psychosis recovery: The Living Through Psychosis group programme.
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Authors
Ryan, A.
Crehan, E.
Khondoker, M.
Fell, M.
Curtin, R.
Johns, L. C.
Issue Date
2021
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Research indicates the value of targeting emotional regulation (ER) skills in psychological
interventions for psychosis. These skills can be delivered in a group format, thereby
increasing access to therapy. This pilot study examined the acceptability and clinical effects
of teaching ER skills in The Living Through Psychosis (LTP) group programme.
Methods
Patients with a psychotic illness were offered the LTP programme, comprising eight sessions
over four weeks. Measures were completed by 55 participants. Acceptability was assessed by
attendance rates and a group cohesion scale. Measures of intervention
targets, recovery and clinical outcomes were completed at baseline, pre-group, post-group,
and one-month follow-up.
Results
High group attendance and cohesion support the acceptability of the group. Participants
reported less difficulty with ER (Coeff.= -8.29, 95% CI: -13.40 to -3.18, within
participant uncontrolled effect size (ES) d=0.29), increased mindful relating to distressing
symptoms (Coeff.= 11.20, 95% CI: 7.02 to 15.38, d=0.65), and improvements in recovery
dimensions (Coeff. = 10.07, 95% CI: 5.6 to 14.54, d=0.42) from pre- to post-intervention,
and maintained at one-month follow-up. Participants’ hallucinations and
delusions reduced from pre-intervention to follow-up (t(18)=4.64, p<0.001; t(18)=5.34,
p<0.001). There was no change in fear of relapse.
Limitations
The uncontrolled, pre-post design precluded blinded assessments, and may have inflated
effect sizes. Other factors may have contributed to the improvements.
Conclusions
The LTP programme was acceptable to people with psychosis. The preliminary findings
indicate the potential utility of teaching ER and mindfulness skills in a brief group
programme. Findings require replication in a randomized controlled trial.
Description
Citation
Ryan, A., Crehan, E., Khondoker, M., Fell, M., Curtin, R., & Johns, L. C. (2021). An emotional regulation approach to psychosis recovery: The Living Through Psychosis group programme. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 72, 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101651