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Negative effects of self-help materials: three explorative studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 December 2015

Mark Papworth ,
Aileen Ward  and
Karen Leeson
Mark Papworth*
Affiliation:
Newcastle University, School of Psychology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
Aileen Ward
Affiliation:
NHS Lanarkshire, Coathill Hospital, Coatbridge, UK
Karen Leeson
Affiliation:
Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Hawkhill Business Park, Lesbury, UK
*
*Author for correspondence: Dr M. Papworth, School of Psychology, Newcastle University, 4th Floor, Ridley Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK (email: [email protected]).
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Abstract

Within the field of adult mental health, self-help is now a pivotal treatment modality. However, earlier research indicates that some individuals react negatively to this. Through three, small-scale studies, this paper explores both clinicians’ experience of harm in patients as a response to self-help materials as well as patients’ own reports. In Study 1, a postal survey was administrated to clinicians; in Study 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians; and in Study 3, patients were sent a postal survey. Over 18% of clinicians indicated that they had experienced self-help materials resulting in harm to patients. The interviews uncovered four main themes: the patients’ clinical presentation, how the materials were presented within the therapeutic contact, certain personality characteristics in patients, and the characteristics of some materials. Between 12% and 24% of patients reported experience of negative effects (depending upon how this is defined), although the latter finding is limited by a small sample size. Proposals are made that are linked to best practice and it is suggested that there is a generic training need for clinicians in materials’ use.

Keywords

AdultsCBTimpairmentself-help
Type
Original Research
Information
the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist , Volume 8 , 2015 , e30
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2015 

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References

Recommended follow-up reading

Papworth, M (2006). Issues and outcomes associated with adult mental health self-help materials: a ‘second-order’ review or ‘qualitative meta-review’. Journal of Mental Health 15, 1–23.Google Scholar
Papworth, M, Marrinan, T, Martin, B, Keegan, D, Chaddock, A (2013). Low Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. London: Sage.Google Scholar

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