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A Qualitative Study of Patients' Perceptions of a ‘Minimal’ Psychological Therapy

Author

Listed:
  • Wendy Macdonald

    (National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; wendy.macdonald@man.ac.uk)

  • Nicola Mead
  • Peter Bower

    (National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, University of Manchester, UK)

  • David Richards

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK)

  • Karina Lovell

    (Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Manchester, UK)

Abstract

Background : Access to psychological therapy is often difficult. Problems with access may be overcome through ‘minimal interventions’ (such as books and computer programs), which encourage self-help for mental health problems and are less dependent on the availability of specialist therapists. However, to be effective, such interventions must be acceptable to patients. Aims : To use qualitative methods to explore patient attitudes, by examining patient expectancies of psychological therapy and their experiences with a ‘minimal intervention’ (guided self-help). Methods : Qualitative interviews ( N = 24) were conducted with patients after they had received guided self-help for depression as part of a randomised controlled trial. Results : There were important gaps between patients' expectancies of psychological therapy and their experience of the guided self-help. These gaps related to the process of therapy (e.g. time, professional expertise) and outcomes. Particularly salient was a theme relating to explanatory models. Patients were often seeking insight into the ‘cause’ of their current difficulties, whereas the minimal intervention was largely focused on symptom resolution. Conclusions : The effective implementation of ‘minimal interventions’ requires an understanding of the expectancies of patients concerning psychological therapy, in order to provide a basis for effective communication and negotiation between professionals and patients.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Macdonald & Nicola Mead & Peter Bower & David Richards & Karina Lovell, 2007. "A Qualitative Study of Patients' Perceptions of a ‘Minimal’ Psychological Therapy," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 53(1), pages 23-35, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:53:y:2007:i:1:p:23-35
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764006066841
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mike J. Crawford & Pradip Ghosh & Russell Keen, 2003. "Use of Qualitative Research Methods in General Medicine and Psychiatry: Publication Trends in Medical Journals 1990-2000," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 49(4), pages 308-311, December.
    2. Williams, Brian & Healy, David, 2001. "Perceptions of illness causation among new referrals to a community mental health team: "explanatory model" or "exploratory map"?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 53(4), pages 465-476, August.
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