scholarly journals “He is lovely and awful”: The challenges of being close to an individual with alcohol problems

2021 ◽  
pp. 145507252110448
Author(s):  
Rikke Hellum ◽  
Randi Bilberg ◽  
Anette Søgaard Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Heavy Drinker ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Long Time

Introduction: In the last 20 years, there has been growing evidence that heavy drinking causes serious harm not only to the person who drinks but also to the person's relations and concerned significant others (CSOs). A relationship with a heavy drinker is often full of conflicts, and CSOs are frequently exposed to aggression, psychological, and sometimes physical violence from the heavy drinker. Despite their struggles, CSOs often feel it is difficult to seek professional help for these problems. The aim of this study was to investigate what problems CSOs of people with alcohol problems experience prior to seeking professional help to handle these issues. Moreover, to investigate what led to seeking professional help at all. Methods: This is a qualitative study with 12 female help-seeking CSOs of persons with alcohol problems. The participants were recruited from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) on Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. The analysis was based on interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three overall themes and one sub-theme emerged from the analysis: (1) The CSO’s feelings and experiences of the situation prior to help-seeking, (2) The relationship with the drinker, (3) Reasons for help-seeking and its trajectory; and the sub-theme, What the CSOs hoped to gain from help-seeking. Conclusion: The present study showed that female CSOs of people with alcohol problems had suffered for a long time before seeking professional help. They felt their daily lives were unpredictable and stressful. They were often exposed to verbal and mental abuse and their relationships with the drinking relative were often characterised by frequent rowing. The CSOs had tried to cope for a long time using a number of different strategies; seeking help seemed to be the last option considered. Despite all the struggles and pain, the CSOs also felt a lot of love for their drinking relative and hoped for the return of their once sober relative. Our findings can be viewed as a support to the stress-strain-coping-support (SSCS) model proposed by Orford and colleagues.

scholarly journals How do concerned significant others experience Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) – a qualitative study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rikke Hellum ◽  
Randi Bilberg ◽  
Gallus Bischof ◽  
Anette Søgaard Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Concerned Significant Others

Abstract Introduction: In the last 20 years, there has been growing evidence that heavy drinking causes serious harm, not only to the person who drinks but also to the person’s relations and concerned significant others (CSOs). Several interventions have been developed to help CSOs of persons with substance abuse e.g., Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). The aim of this study was to investigate what the CSOs who participated in a CRAFT intervention aimed for, when they sought help, what they found helpful from the intervention, and which elements of the interventions they utilized. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate how the CSOs managed to apply the components to their life.Method: This is a qualitative study is based on data from 11 interviews with help-seeking CSOs of individuals with alcohol problems. The participants were recruited from an RCT study of various formats for delivering CRAFT (by means of group sessions + written material, individual sessions + written material or self-delivered CRAFT with written material only). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. The analysis was based on the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.Results: The results describe how the CSOs experienced the intervention and the format that CRAFT in which was delivered, what they felt they gained, and, lastly, how the CSO experienced that it affected their life after the intervention.Conclusion: CSOs who participated in CRAFT intervention, felt helped by the CRAFT components, regardless of the format through which the intervention was delivered. Written material on CRAFT was considered helpful alongside the interventions and may, even for some, function as a useful intervention, albeit probably not as effective. The “Communication-element” from CRAFT, positive reinforcement, and knowledge about the disorder seemed particularly helpful.

Providing information about the effectiveness of treatment options to depressed people in the community: a randomized controlled trial of effects on mental health literacy, help-seeking and symptoms

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1071-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. JORM ◽  
K. M. GRIFFITHS ◽  
H. CHRISTENSEN ◽  
A. E. KORTEN ◽  
R. A. PARSLOW ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Symptom Change ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background. Many people who are depressed do not receive any professional help and their beliefs about the helpfulness of treatment do not always correspond with those of health professionals. To facilitate choices about treatment, the present study examined the effects of providing depressed people in the community with evidence on whether various treatment options work.Method. A randomized controlled trial was carried out with 1094 persons selected at random from the community who screened positive for depressive symptoms and agreed to participate. Participants were mailed either an evidence-based consumer guide to treatments for depression or, as a control, a general brochure on depression. Outcomes were the rated usefulness of the information provided, changes in attitudes to depression treatments, actions taken to reduce depression, and changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and disability.Results. Participants rated the evidence-based consumer guide as more useful than the control brochure. Attitudes to some treatments changed. Improvements in symptoms and disability did not differ significantly between interventions.Conclusion. Providing people who are depressed with evidence on which treatments work produces some changes in attitudes and behaviour. However, this intervention may need to be enhanced if it is to produce symptom change.

scholarly journals Use of a Mobile Peer Support App Among Young People With Nonsuicidal Self-injury: Small-scale Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/26526 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e26526
Author(s):  
Kaylee Payne Kruzan ◽  
Janis Whitlock ◽  
Natalya N Bazarova ◽  
Aparajita Bhandari ◽  
Julia Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Informal Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Injury

Background Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a widespread behavior among adolescents and young adults. Although many individuals who self-injure do not seek treatment, there is evidence for web-based help-seeking through web-based communities and mobile peer support networks. However, few studies have rigorously tested the efficacy of such platforms on outcomes relevant for NSSI recovery. Objective The aim of this small-scale preregistered randomized controlled trial is to provide preliminary insight into the shorter- and longer-term efficacy of the use of a peer support app, TalkLife, in reducing NSSI frequency and urges and increasing readiness to change. In addition, we explore contact with informal support, interest in therapy, and attitudes toward professional help–seeking. Methods Individuals aged 16-25 years with current (within 3 months) and chronic (>6 episodes in the past year) NSSI history were eligible to participate in this study. After baseline assessments, the intervention group was instructed to use the app actively (eg, post or comment at least three times per week) and the control group received weekly psychoeducational materials through email, for 8 weeks. Follow-up was assessed at 1 month and 2 months. Linear mixed modeling was used to evaluate condition and time point effects for the primary outcomes of NSSI frequency and urges, readiness to change, contact with informal support, interest in therapy, and attitudes toward professional help–seeking. Results A total of 131 participants were included in the analysis. We evidenced a significant effect of condition on NSSI frequency such that the participants using the peer support app self-injured less over the course of the study (mean 1.30, SE 0.18) than those in the control condition (mean 1.62, SE 0.18; P=.02; η2=0.02). We also evidenced a significant condition effect of readiness to change such that the treatment participants reported greater confidence in their ability to change their NSSI behavior (mean 6.28, SE 0.41) than the control participants (mean 5.67, SE 0.41; P=.04; η2=0.02). No significant differences were observed for contact with informal support, interest in therapy, or attitudes toward professional help–seeking. Conclusions Use of the peer support app was related to reduced NSSI frequency and greater confidence in one’s ability to change NSSI behavior over the course of the study period, but no effects on NSSI urges, contact with informal support, interest in therapy, or attitudes toward professional help–seeking were observed. The findings provide preliminary support for considering the use of mobile peer support apps as a supplement to NSSI intervention and point to the need for larger-scale trials. Trial Registration Open Science Foundation; https://osf.io/3uay9

scholarly journals Caring for a Dying Partner: The Male Experience

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Judd ◽  
Helen Guy ◽  
Ruth A. Howard
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Support ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Terminal Illness ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conflicting Demands ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Male Experience

Objective: Caring for someone close who is dying, such as a spouse, is an emotive experience; however, there is little research examining the phenomenon of caregiving for a spouse at the end of life and of men’s experiences specifically. Existing literature suggests that men who are providing care are less likely to seek help than women, especially psychological and emotional support for themselves. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experiences of men caring for a dying spouse or partner and their help-seeking for themselves during this time. Methods: Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with men caring for their partner, who was receiving palliative care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged from the data, “Illness Questions Everything,” “Constructing the Caring Role,” and “Help-Seeking at the Limit.” The arrival of a terminal illness into a partnership is traumatic, and while it can deepen relationships, it can also create distance. The carer role has conflicting demands and carers need to make sense of their experience in order for the carer role to be constructed as a source of purpose or meaning. Finally, the idea of seeking help for oneself as a carer during this time is seen as “incompatible,” unmanageable, and can only be considered if constructed as a “last resort.” Significance of Results: Men care too; however, they can feel confused by this role and unsure as to how this fits with their identity as a man. They make sense of this by identifying as a partner whose “duty” or “responsibility” is to provide care. Although this is an understandable stance, it puts them at risk of further emotional, psychological, and physiological difficulties if their own needs are not met. Men need to be supported during this time and their caring qualities need to be destigmatized and demystified so that they can feel more able to identify with the role and look after themselves while caring for their dying partner.

The Insider's Experience of Long-Term Peer Victimisation

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham J. Mackay ◽  
Timothy A. Carey ◽  
Bruce Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Year ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Peer Victimisation ◽  
Being Bullied

AbstractBullying in schools continues to be a problem despite the best efforts of educators, researchers, and clinicians. Of most concern for the present study is that some children experience long-term victimisation by their peers. To improve our understanding in this area, the phenomenology of being bullied over the course of the school year was investigated with three participants aged from 11 to 15 years. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two superordinate themes with associated subthemes were identified: ‘experience of victimisation’ (‘being different’, ‘dynamics of bullying’, ‘school’, and ‘social network’) and ‘strategies’ (‘help-seeking’, ‘behaviour’, ‘response to bullying’, ‘personal coping’, and ‘solutions’). Through these interviews some of the factors that may contribute to long-term peer victimisation were identified. The implications of these results for prevention and intervention are discussed.

scholarly journals Elite Athletes Coping With Depression: A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-373
Author(s):  
Florence Lebrun ◽  
Áine MacNamara ◽  
Dave Collins ◽  
Sheelagh Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Mental Health Issues

Little is known about the coping strategies used by elite athletes suffering from mental health issues. Therefore, this study examined coping strategies implemented by elite athletes facing clinical depression. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four elite athletes and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results present a broad picture of how elite athletes tried to cope with depression using a range of coping strategies. Among the different strategies highlighted, talking, seeking professional help and social support were particularly emphasized by the participants. Surprisingly, however, only one participant reported transferring the skills and strategies learned on her way to the top to many other aspects of her everyday life such as coping with her depression. Findings, therefore, suggest that athletes should be encouraged to transfer and make the most of the skills learned throughout their sport career to deal with their daily life. Future research perspectives and implications are discussed.

scholarly journals How concerned significant others experience Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) – a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rikke Hellum ◽  
Randi Bilberg ◽  
Gallus Bischof ◽  
Anette Søgaard Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Face ◽  
Concerned Significant Others ◽  
Group Sessions

Abstract Introduction Heavy drinking causes serious harm, not only to the drinker but also to relationships and concerned significant others (CSOs). Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is an intervention developed to help the CSOs of substance users. The aim of this study was to investigate the drivers and aims underlying CSO participation in CRAFT, as well as their experience of the intervention itself and their module preferences. Method This is a qualitative study based on data from semi-structured interviews with 11 female help-seeking CSOs of individuals with alcohol problems. The participants were recruited from an RCT study of a variety of CRAFT delivery formats (group sessions + written material, individual sessions + written material or self-delivered CRAFT with written material only). The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results CSOs reported CRAFT helpful when both delivered by means of individual sessions or group sessions. The “Communication Element” in CRAFT, the module focusing on positive reinforcement and acquiring a clearer understanding of AUD, appeared to be particularly helpful elements of CRAFT. Furthermore, being met with acceptance and non-judgmental attitudes seemed to count highly for the CSOs. The written material a helpful supplement to the face-to-face interventions. The written material a helpful supplement to the face-to-face interventions. Conclusion CSOs who participated in the CRAFT intervention felt helped by its components, irrespective of delivery format.

scholarly journals Use of a Mobile Peer Support App Among Young People With Nonsuicidal Self-injury: Small-scale Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaylee Payne Kruzan ◽  
Janis Whitlock ◽  
Natalya N Bazarova ◽  
Aparajita Bhandari ◽  
Julia Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Informal Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Injury

BACKGROUND Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a widespread behavior among adolescents and young adults. Although many individuals who self-injure do not seek treatment, there is evidence for web-based help-seeking through web-based communities and mobile peer support networks. However, few studies have rigorously tested the efficacy of such platforms on outcomes relevant for NSSI recovery. OBJECTIVE The aim of this small-scale preregistered randomized controlled trial is to provide preliminary insight into the shorter- and longer-term efficacy of the use of a peer support app, TalkLife, in reducing NSSI frequency and urges and increasing readiness to change. In addition, we explore contact with informal support, interest in therapy, and attitudes toward professional help–seeking. METHODS Individuals aged 16-25 years with current (within 3 months) and chronic (&gt;6 episodes in the past year) NSSI history were eligible to participate in this study. After baseline assessments, the intervention group was instructed to use the app actively (eg, post or comment at least three times per week) and the control group received weekly psychoeducational materials through email, for 8 weeks. Follow-up was assessed at 1 month and 2 months. Linear mixed modeling was used to evaluate condition and time point effects for the primary outcomes of NSSI frequency and urges, readiness to change, contact with informal support, interest in therapy, and attitudes toward professional help–seeking. RESULTS A total of 131 participants were included in the analysis. We evidenced a significant effect of condition on NSSI frequency such that the participants using the peer support app self-injured less over the course of the study (mean 1.30, SE 0.18) than those in the control condition (mean 1.62, SE 0.18; <i>P</i>=.02; <i>η</i><sup>2</sup>=0.02). We also evidenced a significant condition effect of readiness to change such that the treatment participants reported greater confidence in their ability to change their NSSI behavior (mean 6.28, SE 0.41) than the control participants (mean 5.67, SE 0.41; <i>P</i>=.04; <i>η</i><sup>2</sup>=0.02). No significant differences were observed for contact with informal support, interest in therapy, or attitudes toward professional help–seeking. CONCLUSIONS Use of the peer support app was related to reduced NSSI frequency and greater confidence in one’s ability to change NSSI behavior over the course of the study period, but no effects on NSSI urges, contact with informal support, interest in therapy, or attitudes toward professional help–seeking were observed. The findings provide preliminary support for considering the use of mobile peer support apps as a supplement to NSSI intervention and point to the need for larger-scale trials. CLINICALTRIAL Open Science Foundation; https://osf.io/3uay9

Relationships Between Experiences of Parental Violence During Childhood and Women's Self-Esteem

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
William R. Downs ◽  
Brenda A. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Battered Women ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Verbal Aggression ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Community Control ◽  
Parental Violence ◽  
Outpatient Mental Health

The interrelationships between experiences of parental verbal aggression and physical violence during childhood and the development of low self-esteem during adulthood were explored separately for the father-daughter and mother-daughter relationships. Data were collected from 472 women between the ages of 18 and 45 during in-depth interviews drawn from five sources: outpatient alcoholism treatment, DWl (Driving While Intoxicated) education programs, shelter for battered women, outpatient mental health treatment, and randomly from the community. Control variables included respondents' alcohol problems and help-seeking behavior, parental alcohol problems, number of changes in childhood family (e.g., divorce), and respondents' race and social class. Controlling for these variables, experiences of father-to-daughter verbal aggression, moderate violence, and severe violence were found related to lower self-esteem in adulthood for women. Conversely, controlling for these variables, experiences of mother-todaughter verbal aggression, moderate violence, and severe violence were not found related to lower self-esteem in adulthood for women.

Reaching out and seeking help from frontline professionals: experiences of men perpetrating partner violence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathilde Sengoelge ◽  
Alvaro Ponce ◽  
Elisabeth Perry ◽  
Alessandra Pauncz ◽  
Heinrich Geldschlager
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Violent Behaviour ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Practice Skills

Background: Research on help-seeking behaviour in partner violence has mainly focused on victims. This article reports on a multi-country qualitative study exploring the views and experiences of men perpetrating partner violence and their contact with frontline professionals. The study was part of a wider programme of training for professionals to enable disclosure of domestic violence by perpetrators (project ENGAGE).Methods: Eleven semi]structured interviews and one focus group discussion with seven men were conducted and thematic analysis was used to analyse their responses. Emphasis was on understanding how professionalsf responses prevented or facilitated disclosure and seeking support and/or professional help.Results: The men revealed the difficulties they face in the process of disclosure and that help-seeking from non-specialised professionals had a negative emotional impact for most men. Four themes emerged: barriers to help-seeking for men; helpful responses from professionals; unhelpful responses to avoid; and recommendations for professionals to improve their interactions with men.Conclusion: This study has implications for the training of frontline professionals and underlines the need for changes in services to ensure that all men consistently receive an appropriate response and are directed to perpetrator programmes or specialised services.<br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>Men who sought help from frontline professionals for their violent behaviour towards their partners found it helpful when frontline professionals in a respectful and non-judgemental manner assisted men to find words to disclose their behaviour.</li><br /><li>They also needed support in identifying their responsibility for the violence and to provide a sense of hope that change is possible.</li><br /><li>Frontline professionals require training to gain and practice skills in communicating with men about their violent behaviour and support them in the referral process to specialised services.</li></ul>

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