The feasibility and acceptability of a narrative therapy group approach for adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A pilot study

BF Psychology

Watt, Vanessa J. ; Wilson, Sarah

University:University of Glasgow

Department:Institute of Health and Wellbeing

关键词: Type 1 Diabetes, Adolescents, Narrative Therapy, Feasibility, Acceptability;   

Others  :  http://theses.gla.ac.uk/3607/1/2012wattDClinPsy.pdf

来源: University of Glasgow

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a narrative therapy group approach for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Design: The study employed a between-group, repeated measure design comparing a narrative therapy group intervention to a control group who received treatment-as-usual.Methods: 75 adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years old who had been identified as having poorly controlled T1D (HbA1c > 8%), were invited to participate in a one-off narrative therapy group. A total of eight individuals agreed to take part and were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n=4) or treatment-as-usual (n=4). Information on the acceptability of this approach was gathered from follow-up interviews three months after attendance at the group. Outcome measures included HbA1c, diabetes-related distress and self-efficacy.Results: The adolescents who did attend the intervention group reported it to have been a beneficial experience which had helped them to feel less isolated in their experience of living with diabetes. Additionally, some participants reported that the group had provided them with a ‘wake-up’ call and had encouraged them to re-think the way they manage their condition. However, no significant changes in HbA1c, diabetes-related distress or self-efficacy were observed in either the intervention or the control group at three month follow-up.Conclusions:This novel group approach was considered to be an acceptable adjunct to treatment-as-usual. All adolescents who attended the group reported that they would recommend it to other young people with T1D.A larger scaled study would be required in order to determine whether this approach can improve glycaemic control and psychosocial outcomes in an adolescent population.