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Imaginator: A Proof-of-Concept Feasibility Trial of a Brief Imagery-Based Psychological Intervention for Young People Who Self-Harm.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Di Simplicio, Martina 
Appiah-Kusi, Elizabeth 
Meiser-Stedman, Caroline 

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The Imaginator study tested the feasibility of a short mental imagery-based psychological intervention for young people who self-harm and used a stepped-wedge design to investigate effects on self-harm frequency reduction at 3 and 6 months. METHOD: A total of 38 participants aged 16-25 were recruited via community self-referral and mental health services. Participants were randomized to immediate delivery of Functional Imagery Training (FIT) or usual care followed by delayed delivery after 3 months. FIT comprised two face-to-face sessions, five phone sessions, and use of a smartphone app. Outcomes' assessment was blind to allocation. RESULTS: Three quarters of those who began treatment completed face-to-face sessions, and 57% completed five or more sessions in total. Self-harm frequency data were obtained on 76% of the sample at 3 months (primary outcome) and 63% at 6 months. FIT produced moderate reductions in self-harm frequency at 3 months after immediate (d = 0.65) and delayed delivery (d = 0.75). The Immediate FIT group maintained improvements from 3 to 6 months (d = 0.05). Participants receiving usual care also reduced self-harm (d = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: A brief mental imagery-based psychological intervention targeting self-harm in young people is feasible and may comprise a novel transdiagnostic treatment for self-harm.

Description

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Feasibility Studies, Humans, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Psychosocial Intervention, Self-Injurious Behavior, Young Adult

Journal Title

Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0363-0234
1943-278X

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00005/14)
MRC-A060-5PR5