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Parent and Carer Skills Groups in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for High-Risk Adolescents with Severe Emotion Dysregulation: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Participants’ Outcomes and Experiences

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  • Lindsay Smith

    (National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AZ, UK)

  • Katrina Hunt

    (National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AZ, UK)

  • Sam Parker

    (National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AZ, UK
    Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK)

  • Jake Camp

    (National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AZ, UK
    Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK)

  • Catherine Stewart

    (National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AZ, UK)

  • Andre Morris

    (National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AZ, UK)

Abstract

Background: There is an established evidence-base for dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) in the treatment of young people with severe emotion dysregulation and related problems, including repeated self-harm and suicidal behaviours. However, few studies have reported on parental involvement in such treatments. This study aims to explore the outcomes and experiences of participants of a dedicated skills group for parents and carers embedded within an adapted DBT-A programme in the United Kingdom. Method: This study was conducted within a specialist outpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) DBT programme in the National Health Service (NHS) in London. Participants were parents and carers of adolescents engaged in the DBT-A programme. Participants attended a 6-month parent and carer skills group intervention and completed self-report measures relating to carer distress, communication and family functioning, at pre-intervention and post-intervention. Following the intervention, semi-structured interviews were also completed with a subgroup of participants to explore their experiences of the skills group and how they perceived its effectiveness. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse the data collected from participants. Results: Forty-one parents and carers completed the intervention. Participants reported a number of statistically significant changes from pre- to post-intervention: general levels of distress and problems in family communication decreased, while perceived openness of family communication and strengths and adaptability in family functioning increased. A thematic analysis of post-intervention interviews examining participant experiences identified six themes: (1) experiences prior to DBT; (2) safety in DBT; (3) experiences with other parents and carers; (4) new understandings; (5) changes in behaviours; and (6) future suggestions. Discussion: Parents and carers who attended a dedicated DBT skills groups, adapted for local needs, reported improvements in their wellbeing, as well as interactions with their adolescents and more general family functioning, by the end of the intervention. Further studies are needed which report on caregiver involvement in DBT.

Suggested Citation

  • Lindsay Smith & Katrina Hunt & Sam Parker & Jake Camp & Catherine Stewart & Andre Morris, 2023. "Parent and Carer Skills Groups in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for High-Risk Adolescents with Severe Emotion Dysregulation: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Participants’ Outcomes and Experiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:14:p:6334-:d:1190621
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George R. G. Clarke, 2022. "From the Editor," The International Trade Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(1), pages 1-5, January.
    2. J.G.M. Scheirs & S. Bok, 2007. "Psychological Distress in Caretakers or Relatives of Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 53(3), pages 195-203, May.
    3. George R. G. Clarke, 2022. "From the Editor," The International Trade Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(2), pages 75-76, March.
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