Psychological distress following major trauma, version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does psychological flexibility have a moderating effect on predictors of psychological distress in individuals following major trauma?
IRAS ID
322234
Contact name
Alan Bowman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 14 days
Research summary
In England and Wales, it is estimated that approximately 16,000 people die every year after traumatic injury. Outcomes following major trauma include death, long-term physical disability and psychological distress, with as many as fifty per cent reporting the latter. Many struggle with psychological distress decades after their physical injuries have been treated, however it is unclear why people respond in different ways.
There is an emerging evidence base to support the protective role of a cognitive factor called ‘psychological flexibility’ on recovery from various physical conditions. However, little research has considered how this factor influences outcomes for individuals recovering from major trauma specifically.
This study aims to explore whether the degree of psychological flexibility that a person has impacts the level of psychological distress that they experience. The study will recruit individuals aged 18 years and above, who have been admitted to a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) and who sustained their injuries between 1 and 12 months prior to study participation.
This study is sponsored by the University of Teesside and forms part of a thesis for the doctorate in Clinical Psychology. This is a multi-site study and will recruit participants from five MTCs across the Major Trauma Network.
Participants will receive study information either at an outpatient appointment, through their charity caseworker or through engaging with online recruitment materials. Following consent, participants will complete an online survey which will take a maximum of thirty minutes to complete. The survey will include questionnaires that measure psychological flexibility and psychological distress. Additional consent will be obtained for the research team to request their injury-related information from the Trauma, Audit and Research Network (TARN).
The knowledge generated may help to inform and update clinical guidelines and practice recommendations on assessment for psychological functioning following major trauma. This could lead to improved outcomes for major trauma patients.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0386
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion