A Brief Cognitive Analytic Therapy-Informed Approach for Young People That Have Self-Injured (CATCH-Y): A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Adolescent mental health
• Psychological interventions
• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) research

Background:

• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing concern among adolescents.
• There is a limited evidence base for effective and scalable treatments for adolescent NSSI.
• This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a brief intervention for NSSI in young people.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the CATCH-Y intervention.
• To explore preliminary changes in NSSI, mood, and recovery.
• To inform future large-scale evaluations of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A case series design involving 13 adolescents (aged 13-17) with recent NSSI.
• A five-session Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)-informed intervention (CATCH-Y).
• Feasibility measured by recruitment, retention, and data completeness; acceptability via qualitative feedback; outcomes via pre/post measures of NSSI, mood, recovery, and urges.

Main Results:

• The CATCH-Y intervention was largely feasible and acceptable, with high recruitment and retention rates.
• Preliminary positive changes were observed in NSSI rates, urges to self-harm, mood, and personal recovery, though results were mixed.
• Completion rates for remote assessments were low, suggesting a preference for in-person evaluations.

Conclusions:

• The CATCH-Y intervention shows promise for adolescents engaging in NSSI.
• Further large-scale evaluation of the CATCH-Y intervention is supported by these findings.
• In-person assessments are recommended to improve data completion rates in future studies.