Narrative enhancement and cognitive therapy (NECT) effectiveness: a quasi-experimental study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Approximately one-third of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) experience elevated self-stigma.
• Self-stigma can negatively impact treatment adherence and overall well-being.
• There is a need for effective interventions to address self-stigma in SMI populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) in reducing self-stigma among individuals with SMI.
• To assess the impact of NECT on secondary outcomes such as self-esteem, quality of life, and hope.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed.
• Data were collected at baseline and follow-up.
• Outcomes were compared between a group of 63 individuals with SMI who received NECT and a control group of 56 individuals who received treatment as usual.

Main Results:

• The NECT group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in self-stigma from pre- to posttreatment (p < .05).
• Participants in the NECT group showed significant increases in self-esteem, quality of life, and Hope-Agency scores compared to the control group.
• These improvements were observed between pre- and posttreatment assessments.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary findings support NECT as an effective intervention for reducing self-stigma in individuals with SMI.
• The results suggest positive implications for incorporating NECT into clinical practice and treatment approaches.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability of NECT.