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ToolsAllen, Leila, Fox, Andrew, Copello, Alexandre, Meiser-Stedman, Richard and Morant, Nicola (2025) A qualitative study exploring children and young people’s experiences of cognitive therapy for PTSD delivered within the context of a randomised controlled trial. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 98 (1). pp. 74-89. ISSN 1476-0835
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Abstract
Objectives and Design: This qualitative study aimed to explore the treatment experiences of children and young people with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, participating in a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of Cognitive-Therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD). Methods: Thirteen participants aged between 12 and 18 years old, who had all experienced multiple trauma and had undertaken CT-PTSD, were interviewed. Results: Using thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: ‘Desire for difference’, ‘Journey of becoming able to talk about trauma’ and ‘Positive changes and increased ability to cope’. Prior to the study, participants described experiencing difficult emotions and avoided talking about their traumatic experiences. Participants reported wanting to get the right help and valued the opportunity to help others. Talking about trauma during treatment was perceived as difficult and emotionally draining, however participants reported a sense of relief and that it became easier over time, helping them to make sense of their traumatic experiences. This was facilitated by the therapeutic relationship, their involvement in decision making and the use of written tasks. All participants reported positive changes, both in themselves and in their ability to talk to others about their traumatic experiences. Conclusion: Engaging in CT-PTSD and talking about traumatic experiences can be empowering for young people and allows them the opportunity to process their trauma leading to increased ability to cope.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Additional Information: | Data Availability Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Funding information: DECRYPT (‘Delivery of Cognitive Therapy for Young People After Trauma’–randomised controlled trial) is funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Career Development Fellowship to RM-S (CDF-2015-08-073). This current qualitative study was completed as part of a Thesis for a Clinical Psychology Doctorate at the University of Birmingham, the NIHR had no role in the design of the study, or the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, or in writing the manuscript. |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ptsd,children and young people,cognitive therapy,qualitative research,thematic analysis,trauma,psychiatry and mental health,clinical psychology,developmental and educational psychology,arts and humanities (miscellaneous) ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2738 |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School |
| UEA Research Groups: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Mental Health |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Oct 2024 11:30 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Feb 2025 10:30 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97102 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/papt.12558 |
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