Doctorate in Clinical Psychology: Main Research Portfolio

: 1) Relapse Prevention for Common Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review; 2) Evaluating a Grassroots Initiative in a Global Disaster: Mental Health Tips Circulated During the Early Stages of the Coronavirus Pandemic; 3) Exploring Lived Experiences of Relapse and Relapse Prevention Support Following Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Abstract

Background: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective andwell-researched treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, it is not uncommon for people to relapse after treatment. There is some evidence that Relapse Prevention (RP) programs can be effective in maintaining treatment gains post therapy. However, very little up-to-date research has been conducted, revealing a significant gap in the literature. In addition, the majority of the research that has been conducted is from the therapist/researcher’s perspective. This study aimed to explore participants’ experiences of treatment for OCD, relapse and RP support, and to understand risk and protective factors for relapse following a course of CBT. Method: Fifteen adults with OCD (M = 32.8 years) took part in qualitative semi structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two themes were generated; Getting Ready for the Journey and Stopping the Relapse Spiral. The first captured key aspects of RP work that were perceived to support recovery, including gradually working towards an ending, having a concrete RP plan, and having permission to contact therapists in times of difficulty. The second theme described elements of people’s initial treatment experiences that were considered to be protective against relapse, as well as those that served to exacerbated people’s difficulties once they had started to relapse. Clinical implications are discussed which require research attention.

Date of Award	10 Oct 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Josie Millar (Supervisor) & Maria Loades (Supervisor)