The use and feasibility of a CBT intervention

Boyle, C., Lynch, L., Lyon, A. and Williams, C. (2010) The use and feasibility of a CBT intervention. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 16(3), pp. 129-135. (doi: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2010.00586.x)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-3588.2010.00586.x

Abstract

Background: Mental illness is common and disruptive in adolescents. However, only a small proportion receives treatment. Low intensity preventative interventions may reduce symptoms and increase access to treatment, but few are targeted at young people. A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) based guided self-help programme has been adapted for use in secondary schools; it covers 7 distinct topics, each with an accompanying booklet and lesson plan. This study investigates its use and feasibility in this context and examines pupil and teacher attitudes. Method: Approximately 280 second year school pupils received two lessons on a single life-skills area. Attitudes toward each booklet and class were evaluated by questionnaire and results summarised using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were gathered from teacher and pupil focus groups. Results: 56.3% of pupils agreed the lesson was very interesting and 64.5% felt they learned something new and worthwhile. A minority felt motivated by the lesson (43.1%) or would recommend it to a friend (48.4%). The majority of pupils agreed they had developed life-skills; however these were not specific to the topic covered by their class. Content analysis of the focus groups identified four central themes - Acceptability, Guidance, Target Population and Changes - which largely reflected the quantitative results. Conclusion: Overall, the lessons and booklets were well received by pupils and teachers: the design and language were popular and it functioned well as a group activity with pupils happy to discuss the majority of issues. The intervention has the potential to be popular, affordable and effective approach to school-based mental health interventions

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Williams, Professor Christopher
Authors: Boyle, C., Lynch, L., Lyon, A., and Williams, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Child and Adolescent Mental Health
ISSN:1475-357X

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