1
|
Camp J, Durante G, Cooper A, Smith P, Rimes KA. Clinical outcomes for sexual and gender minority adolescents in a dialectical behaviour therapy programme. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:337-355. [PMID: 38586939 PMCID: PMC7616180 DOI: 10.1017/s135246582400016x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexuality and gender minoritised (SGM) adolescents are at increased risk of self-injury and suicide, and experience barriers to accessing mental health support. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an effective treatment for self-injury and emotion dysregulation in adolescent populations, but few studies have published outcomes of DBT for SGM young people. AIMS This study aimed to investigate treatment outcomes and completion for SGM adolescents and their cisgender and heterosexual peers, in the National & Specialist CAMHS, DBT service (UK). METHOD Treatment completion, and opting out before and during treatment were examined for sexual and gender identity groups, as well as changes by the end of treatment in emotion dysregulation, self-injury, in-patient bed-days, emergency department attendances, and borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS SGM adolescents were over-represented in this service, even after considering their increased risk for self-injury. No statistically significant differences were found for treatment completion between the sexual orientation and gender identity groups, although there were patterns indicating possible lower treatment uptake and completion that warrant further investigation. Clinical outcomes for treatment-completers showed improvement by the end of DBT for each group, with few exceptions. DISCUSSION These results are from relatively small subsamples, and it was not possible to separate by sex assigned at birth. Findings should be treated tentatively and as early indications of effect sizes to inform future studies. This study suggests that DBT could be a useful treatment for SGM adolescents in a highly specialist treatment setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Camp
- National & Specialist CAMHS, DBT Service, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Micheal Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| | - G Durante
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, Lewisham Way, London, UK
| | - A Cooper
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, Lewisham Way, London, UK
| | - P Smith
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| | - K A Rimes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chang CJ, Livingston NA, Rashkovsky KT, Harper KL, Kuehn KS, Khalifian C, Harned MS, Tucker RP, Depp CA. A Scoping Review of Suicide Prevention Interventions for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Other Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals. LGBT Health 2024. [PMID: 38722250 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This scoping review summarizes the literature on suicide-specific psychological interventions among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) people to synthesize existing findings and support future intervention research and dissemination. Methods: Electronic databases PsycInfo and PubMed were searched for reports of psychological intervention studies with suicide-related outcome data among LGBTQ+ people. A total of 1269 articles were screened, and 19 studies met inclusion criteria (k = 3 examined suicide-specific interventions tailored to LGBTQ+ people, k = 4 examined nontailored suicide-specific interventions, k = 11 examined minority stress- or LGBTQ+ interventions that were not suicide-specific, and k = 1 examined other types of interventions). Results: Synthesis of this literature was made challenging by varied study designs, and features limit confidence in the degree of internal and external validity of the interventions evaluated. The only established suicide-specific intervention examined was Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and minority stress- and LGBTQ-specific interventions rarely targeted suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Nevertheless, most interventions reviewed demonstrated support for feasibility and/or acceptability. Only five studies tested suicide-related outcome differences between an LGBTQ+ group and a cisgender/heterosexual group. These studies did not find significant differences in STBs, but certain subgroups such as bisexual individuals may exhibit specific treatment disparities. Conclusion: Given the dearth of research, more research examining interventions that may reduce STBs among LGBTQ+ people is critically needed to address this public health issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy J Chang
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nicholas A Livingston
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katerine T Rashkovsky
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kelly L Harper
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin S Kuehn
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Chandra Khalifian
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Melanie S Harned
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Raymond P Tucker
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Colin A Depp
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cusack CE, Silverstein S, Askew AJ, Simone M, Galupo MP, Levinson CA. Eating disorders among queer and trans individuals: Implications for conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. Bull Menninger Clin 2024; 88:128-147. [PMID: 38836851 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2024.88.2.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) have been traditionally viewed as a disorder affecting cisgender, heterosexual women. Yet, the prevalence of EDs among queer and trans (QnT) individuals, coupled with the lack of interventions that attend to contextual factors related to sexual orientation and gender identity, underscore a critical health disparity issue requiring urgent attention. Here, we first review factors pertaining to QnT individuals' minoritized sexual and gender identities that are important to consider in ED conceptualization for this population (e.g., minority stressors, identity-based body image standards). Next, we describe problematic assumptions present in existing ED assessment and propose more inclusive approaches. Lastly, we provide suggestions for practices that providers can implement within their treatment of EDs among QnT individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Cusack
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Autumn J Askew
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| | - Melissa Simone
- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver
| | - M Paz Galupo
- Audre Lorde Distinguished Professor of Sexual Health & Education, Brown School Department of Social Work and Public Health, Washington University in Saint Louis
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- Associate Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Camp J, Morris A, Wilde H, Smith P, Rimes KA. Gender- and Sexuality-Minoritised Adolescents in DBT: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Minority-Specific Treatment Targets and Experience. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2023; 16:s1754470x23000326. [PMID: 38125010 PMCID: PMC7615396 DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x23000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Gender- and sexuality-minoritised (GSM) adolescents are at increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviours compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. This increased risk is thought to be explained in part by exposure to stigma and societal oppression. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based intervention for self-harm and suicidal behaviour that may have advantages for supporting GSM young people in distress. No study has yet sought to understand what GSM-associated difficulties may be important to consider in DBT for adolescents, or the experiences of GSM young people in a standard DBT programme. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the experiences of GSM young people in DBT and what difficulties and dilemmas associated with their gender and sexuality diversity were thought by them to be important to target in DBT. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 GSM young people in a comprehensive DBT programme and were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The analysis was supported by two further GSM young people who had finished DBT. The findings were split into three overarching themes (Identity, Impact of Others, and Space for Sexual and Gender Identity in DBT), each with themes within. The identity-based theme included "identity confusion and acceptance"; the relationship-based themes included "cis-Heterosexism" and "community connectedness"; and the space within DBT themes included "negotiating focus and targeting in DBT" and "creating safety in DBT". Findings are discussed in relation to implications and recommendations for therapists working with GSM young people within and outside of DBT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Camp
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AB
- National & Specialist CAMHS, DBT Service, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, SE5 8AZ
| | - A Morris
- National & Specialist CAMHS, DBT Service, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, SE5 8AZ
| | - H Wilde
- National & Specialist CAMHS, DBT Service, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, SE5 8AZ
| | - P Smith
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AB
| | - K A Rimes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AB
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tilley JL, Molina L, Luo X, Natarajan A, Casolaro L, Gonzalez A, Mahaffey B. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for high-risk transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth: A qualitative study of youth and mental health providers' perspectives on intervention relevance. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:1056-1070. [PMID: 36054170 PMCID: PMC10332383 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the significant mental health challenges and unique treatment needs of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth, research on the acceptability of evidence-based treatments for these youth is limited. To address this gap, the current study explored the perceived relevance of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for high-risk TGD youth. METHODS Qualitative data were collected from six focus group discussions with a purposive sample of 21 TGD youth aged 18-25 years old who endorsed a history of depression, suicidality or self-harm and individual interviews with 10 mental health treatment providers with prior DBT and TGD client experience. The data were analysed inductively using thematic content analysis. RESULTS The results highlighted the perceived relevance of DBT in targeting chronic and acute stressors, some of which are unique to TGD youth such as issues related to gender dysphoria, hormone-related treatment and gender identity. Possible areas for treatment modifications including the adaptation of body awareness exercises and physiological-related coping techniques for youth experiencing gender dysphoria, and the reinforcement of self-care skills, were identified. While interpersonal effectiveness skills were acknowledged as important, treatment providers highlighted a need to prioritize safety over the practice of these skills. This is because TGD youth often experience more hostile and prejudiced interpersonal experiences than their cisgender peers. CONCLUSION The study's findings shed light on previously unexplored perspectives of TGD youth and treatment providers on the perceived relevance of DBT and provide treatment providers and implementation researchers with some critical issues to consider when working with high-risk TGD youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline L. Tilley
- Psychological and Child & Human Development Area Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
| | - Lucero Molina
- Mind-Body Clinical Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University
| | - Xiaochen Luo
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University
| | - Aaradhana Natarajan
- Mind-Body Clinical Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University
| | - Leslye Casolaro
- Mind-Body Clinical Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University
| | - Adam Gonzalez
- Mind-Body Clinical Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University
| | - Brittain Mahaffey
- Mind-Body Clinical Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Price MA, Hollinsaid NL. Future Directions in Mental Health Treatment with Stigmatized Youth. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022; 51:810-825. [PMID: 36007234 PMCID: PMC9835015 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2109652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Stigma refers to societally-deemed inferiority associated with a circumstance, behavior, status, or identity. It manifests internally, interpersonally, and structurally. Decades of research indicate that all forms of stigma are associated with heightened risk for mental health problems (e.g., depression, PTSD, suicidality) in stigmatized youth (i.e., children, adolescents, and young adults with one or more stigmatized identities, such as youth of Color and transgender youth). Notably, studies find that stigmatized youth living in places with high structural stigma - defined as laws/policies and norms/attitudes that hurt stigmatized people - have a harder time accessing mental health treatment and are less able to benefit from it. In order to reduce youth mental health inequities, it is imperative for our field to better understand, and ultimately address, stigma at each of these levels. To facilitate this endeavor, we briefly review research on stigma and youth mental health treatment, with an emphasis on structural stigma, and present three future directions for research in this area: (1) directly addressing stigma in treatment, (2) training therapists in culturally responsive care, and (3) structural interventions. We conclude with recommendations for best practices in broader mental health treatment research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maggi A. Price
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Christian Mindfulness and Mental Health: Coping through Sacred Traditions and Embodied Awareness. RELIGIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rel13010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness is increasingly implemented as a tool in mental health practice for coping and self-care. Some Christians worry that these practices might be in conflict with their own tradition, while other Christian contexts are reclaiming the contemplative aspects of the faith. Though clinicians are not trained to teach on religious topics and ethically must avoid pushing religion onto clients, conceptualization and research extend the benefits of mindfulness practices for religious clients. This paper will discuss the evidence for using mindfulness in mental health treatment and connect mindfulness to the Christian tradition. The authors explore how intentional awareness and embodiment of the present moment are supported in Christian theology through the incarnation of Jesus and God’s attention of the physical body in the Christian scriptures. The authors also discuss how sacraments and prayer naturally overlap with mindfulness practices for the dual purposes of emotional healing and spiritual growth. To bolster the benefits of mindfulness in the psychological and religious realms, the purpose of this paper is to empower therapists to address client concerns of whether mindfulness is in conflict with Christianity, support clients in expanding current Christian religious coping, and provide Christian leaders with more information about how mindfulness elements are already present in Christian rituals and beliefs.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dialectical behaviour therapy skills group including stigma management: a pilot with sexual and gender minority veterans. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x21000295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
As a principle-driven treatment, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) offers concepts and strategies that can be flexibly applied to address unique types of invalidation, such as stigma experienced by marginalized groups. A pilot DBT skills training group that included material on using skills to dialectically manage the effects of stigma was conducted with four sexual and gender minority (SGM) veterans. The group included standard DBT skills along with explicitly teaching about stigma commonly faced by SGM individuals and ways to apply DBT skills to the experiences of stigma. This pilot group was conducted to determine the acceptability of such a group as well as its effects on symptoms (depression, emotion regulation), use of DBT skills in daily living, and the psychological burden of stigma-related experiences. The group was well-received by participants; outcomes suggest promising trends in reducing psychological distress and increasing use of DBT skills to cope. Implications for clinical practice using a dialectical approach to stigma management and future directions are provided.
Key learning aims
(1)
Readers will learn about how dialectical behaviour therapy can be used to help sexual and gender minority clients effectively manage the effects of minority stress.
(2)
Readers will learn how taking a dialectical perspective on managing minority stress can be effective.
(3)
Readers will learn how delivering dialectical behaviour therapy in a manner contextualized within the clients’ experience can be effective in managing mental health symptoms.
Collapse
|
9
|
Przeworski A, Peterson E, Piedra A. A systematic review of the efficacy, harmful effects, and ethical issues related to sexual orientation change efforts. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
10
|
Fulginiti A, Rhoades H, Mamey MR, Klemmer C, Srivastava A, Weskamp G, Goldbach JT. Sexual Minority Stress, Mental Health Symptoms, and Suicidality among LGBTQ Youth Accessing Crisis Services. J Youth Adolesc 2020; 50:893-905. [PMID: 33206318 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-020-01354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority youth are at elevated risk for suicide. Studies have separately established the relation between minority stress and mental health symptoms, as well as minority stress and suicidality. However, no known research has simultaneously examined different mental health mechanisms whereby minority stress may be associated with different suicidal experiences (e.g., suicidal ideation, suicide attempts). The present study used data from a national sample of 572 sexual and gender minority youth aged 12 to 24 (mean age = 17.59; SD = 3.13) recruited from an LGBTQ youth-focused suicide crisis prevention provider. Nearly one-third of the sample (30.2%) identified as transgender, genderqueer, or questioning. Nearly one quarter of the sample (24.3%) identified as gay, 17.1% as pansexual, 16.8% as bisexual, and 15.2% as lesbian. Structural equation modeling was used for mediation analyses to explain suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Serial mediation models were determined to be the best fit for both suicide-related outcomes. Minority stress was associated with depressive and PTSD symptoms, which were linked with suicidal ideation and attempt through hopelessness. The findings supported the hypotheses that minority stress would be associated with suicidality not just directly, but also indirectly through multiple mental health symptom pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Fulginiti
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148S. High St., Denver, CO, 80208, USA.
| | - Harmony Rhoades
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 663W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Mary Rose Mamey
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 663W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Cary Klemmer
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 663W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Ankur Srivastava
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 663W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Garrett Weskamp
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 663W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Jeremy T Goldbach
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 663W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brooks BD, Job SA, Clark EA, Todd EA, Williams SL. Concealment as a moderator of anticipated stigma and psychiatric symptoms. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2020.1721037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Byron D. Brooks
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah A. Job
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily A. Clark
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emerson A. Todd
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stacey L. Williams
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cultural adaptations of CBT: a summary and discussion of the Special Issue on Cultural Adaptation of CBT. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x19000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in its current form might not be acceptable to service users from a variety of backgrounds. Therefore, it makes sense to adapt CBT when working with diverse populations. Contributors to this special issue of theCognitive Behaviour Therapisthave tackled the issues around the cultural adaptation of CBT from various perspectives, using a variety of methods, and have addressed topics ranging from cultural adaptation to improving access to CBT. Here, I briefly summarize and discuss the papers in this special issue. I start with a systematic review of CBT for social anxiety across cultures. Seven articles cover aspects of adaptation of therapies for people from different backgrounds. Three papers discuss the issues of gender and sexuality when using CBT, while another three papers focus on refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless, and two papers describe the application of CBT with religious populations. Finally, there are seven papers on issues related to service delivery, practice and training and supervision when working with a diverse population. Collectively, papers in this special issue provide us with sufficient evidence that cultural considerations play a vital role when using CBT, offer practical suggestions for improving cultural competence and most importantly, can catalyse future research. However, the full potential of culturally adapted interventions will not be realized until and unless access to CBT is improved. Therefore, there is a need to build robust evidence to convince funders, policy makers and service managers.
Collapse
|