Childhood adversity and cognitive functioning v.1.0.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Childhood adversity and cognitive functioning in individuals accessing mental health support from the NHS: A proof of concept study
IRAS ID
319544
Contact name
Emma Welsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 12 days
Research summary
Previous research has indicated a correlation between adversity in childhood and cognitive functioning in adulthood. This project seeks to explore this area further by determining whether this phenomenon can be detected in service users accessing mental health support within CNTW NHS Foundation Trust utilizing self-report measures. Specifically, this project seeks to address the following research questions; 1. Is it feasible and acceptable to use preliminary screening measures to identify the history of adversity and cognitive needs of mental health service users, and 2. Do participants who have experienced childhood adversity perceive they have had difficulties in cognitive functioning?
It is hoped that in exploring these research questions, further consideration might be given to the cognitive needs of service users who have experienced childhood adversity in all aspects of their interactions with mental health services, including initial assessment, formulation and treatment. It also hopes to contribute to a growing field of neuropsychological research, with a specific focus on service user self-report to promote the perspective of individuals accessing mental health services.
The study is intended to run until September 2023, and participants will be individuals accessing support for mental health difficulties within CNTW (e.g. at Centre for Specialist Psychological Therapies service). Clinicians working directly with service users will act as gatekeepers to the project. Participants would be considered eligible if they are:
• accessing MH support within CNTW and maintaining regular contact with their lead clinician
• between the ages of 18-65
• considered by their clinician to be at low risk of self-harm and suicidality (as per FACE Risk Profile) and to have capacity to consent
Involvement with the study would require participants to meet with the chief investigator (CI) at either the usual site they attend for therapy or online (as per participant preference), to complete four questionnaires related to their childhood experiences and cognitive functioning.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0065
Date of REC Opinion
28 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion