Understanding Change in Mentalisation-Based Therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Change in Mentalisation-Based Therapy for Difficulties Associated with Personality Disorder: Service Users' and Therapists' Perspectives
IRAS ID
173565
Contact name
Kathryn Gardner
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Mentalisation Based Theray (MBT) is a therapeutic programme that can be used with individuals with personality disorder, and has been especially effective in treating borderline personality disorder. However, we still do not fully understand how MBT brings about change in patients. To investigate this we will hold a group interview (focus group) approximately 45 minutes long with service users within an NHS site to ask about their experience of MBT. Alternatively, or as an addition, one-to-one interviews will be used. Inclusion criteria are over age 18 years, and undergoing outpatient MBT for difficulties associated with personality disorder such as BPD facilitated by an NHS trust for at least between 6 but ideally 9 months, or who have completed at least 6 months of MBT within the last 12 months. Therapists will be recruited via their local trust and the North-West MBT away day and asked to attend a focus group with other therapists at an agreed location to ask about their experience of using MBT. As with the service user sample, therapists who wish to have a one-to-one interview may do so. We expect the results of this study to help us understand perceptions of: i) the patient characteristics or skills that help promote change (or interfere with change); ii) the therapist characteristics and skills that are believed to support change in their patients; iii) the qualities that patients and therapists value in the change process; and iv) perceptions of how the relationship between the therapist and the patient can influence changes in the patient. The results from this study may show where changes to MBT delivery or service are needed to better meet the needs of the service user.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0382
Date of REC Opinion
28 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion