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  • Service user experiences of MBT O Lonargain et al 2017 final preprint version

    Rights statement: This article is (c)2017 Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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Service user experiences of mentalisation-based treatment for borderline personality disorder

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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>28/02/2017
<mark>Journal</mark>Mental Health Review Journal
Issue number1
Volume22
Number of pages12
Pages (from-to)16-27
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date26/01/17
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Purpose: Previous research indicates that mentalisation-based treatment (MBT) is an effective therapeutic programme for difficulties associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim of this study was to explore service user experiences of the therapy.
Design/methodology/approach: Seven adults (five female and two male), recruited via three NHS Trusts, were interviewed. Participants were attending intensive out-patient MBT for BPD for between three and 14 months. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Findings: Participants experienced the group component of MBT as challenging and unpredictable. They highlighted developing trust as key to benefitting from MBT. This was much more difficult to achieve in group sessions than in individual therapy, particularly for those attending MBT for less than five or six months. The structure of MBT generally worked well for participants but they identified individual therapy as the core component in achieving change. All participants learned to view the world more positively due to MBT.
Research limitations/implications:
Practical implications: Enhanced mentalisation capacity may help address specific challenges associated with BPD, namely impulsivity and interpersonal difficulties. MBT therapists are confronted with the ongoing task of creating a balance between sufficient safety and adequate challenge during MBT. Potential benefits and drawbacks of differing structural arrangements of MBT programmes within the UK are considered.
Social implications:
Originality/value: Learning about service user perspectives has facilitated an enhanced understanding of experiences of change during MBT in addition to specific factors that may impact mentalisation capacity throughout the programme. These factors, in addition to implications for MBT and suggestions for future research, are discussed.

Bibliographic note

This article is (c)2017 Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.