Different Roads Lead to Rome: Exploring Patterns of Change among Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT)...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Narrative enhancement and cognitive therapy (NECT) aims to reduce self-stigma and foster recovery in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
• Understanding the process and mechanisms of NECT's impact on self-stigma and recovery is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the process and mechanisms through which NECT influences self-stigma and recovery.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of NECT in improving self-clarity and reducing self-stigma.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data.
• Sixty-two participants with SMI completed self-report questionnaires assessing self-clarity, recovery, self-stigma, and hope at multiple time points.
• Qualitative analysis of transcriptions from one group was conducted and compared with quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• Quantitative analysis showed a significant early increase in self-clarity and a decrease in self-stigma following NECT.
• Qualitative analysis identified specific factors contributing to these observed changes.
• Limitations included the absence of a comparison group and potential biases in qualitative analysis and diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• NECT demonstrates effectiveness in reducing self-stigma and enhancing self-clarity.
• The study successfully identified the mechanisms and processes underlying NECT's impact on participants' recovery journey.