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Background: Self-injurious thoughts and behaviours are a major global public health concern, not least because they are one of suicide's strongest predictors. Solution-focused approaches are a psychotherapeutic approach currently being used to treat individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours but there is little published evidence of their use. We conducted a scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of how solution-focused approaches are being used to treat self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. Methods: Publications describing a solution-focused approach being delivered to any individuals experiencing any form of self-injurious thought and/or behaviour were eligible for inclusion. Five databases were searched (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) from inception to August 2024. Search terms contained keywords relating to both solution-focused and self-injurious thoughts and/or behaviours. Data were analysed using relevant steps from a narrative synthesis approach to summarise the participants, concepts, context and outcomes described in the included publications. Results: Twenty-four publications were included in the review. Publications demonstrated a global reach although the majority were published in the UK and USA. Five publications formally assessed and reported outcomes; two randomised controlled trials, one experimental pilot study, one case study, and one single group study. Only the Beck Depression Inventory was collected in more than one study (n = 4), with a range of other psychopathology and wellbeing-related measures. Three studies reported qualitative data, finding positive perceptions of the approaches by patients and clinicians. Fifty-one unique components were identified within solution-focused approaches. Often specific adaptations were described, or components were introduced, that specifically addressed suicide or self-harm. For example, identifying and working on goals related to reducing or stopping self-harm, or scaling questions that assess how suicidal someone currently feels on a 0 to 10 scale. Conclusions: This review demonstrates the application of solution-focused approaches for treating individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of how these approaches are delivered. The lack of outcome data and empirical studies highlights a need for more formalised evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Self-injurious thoughts and behaviours are a major global public health concern, not least because they are one of suicide’s strongest predictors. Solution-focused approaches are a psychotherapeutic approach currently being used to treat individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours but there is little published evidence of their use. We conducted a scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of how solution-focused approaches are being used to treat self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. Methods Publications describing a solution-focused approach being delivered to any individuals experiencing any form of self-injurious thought and/or behaviour were eligible for inclusion. Five databases were searched (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) from inception to August 2024. Search terms contained keywords relating to both solution-focused and self-injurious thoughts and/or behaviours. Data were analysed using relevant steps from a narrative synthesis approach to summarise the participants, concepts, context and outcomes described in the included publications. Results Twenty-four publications were included in the review. Publications demonstrated a global reach although the majority were published in the UK and USA. Five publications formally assessed and reported outcomes; two randomised controlled trials, one experimental pilot study, one case study, and one single group study. Only the Beck Depression Inventory was collected in more than one study (n = 4), with a range of other psychopathology and wellbeing-related measures. Three studies reported qualitative data, finding positive perceptions of the approaches by patients and clinicians. Fifty-one unique components were identified within solution-focused approaches. Often specific adaptations were described, or components were introduced, that specifically addressed suicide or self-harm. For example, identifying and working on goals related to reducing or stopping self-harm, or scaling questions that assess how suicidal someone currently feels on a 0 to 10 scale. Conclusions This review demonstrates the application of solution-focused approaches for treating individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of how these approaches are delivered. The lack of outcome data and empirical studies highlights a need for more formalised evidence.

The present study investigated the differences in movement synchrony and therapeutic alliance between solution-focused and problem-focused counseling. Thirty-four participants each attended two counseling sessions with different counselors, one with a solution-focus and one with a problem-focus, in randomized order. The sessions consisted of three consecutive parts: problem description, standardized intervention and free intervention. Movement synchrony, including leading and pacing synchrony, was measured using Motion Energy Analysis (MEA) and windowed cross-lagged correlation (WCLC) based on video recordings of the sessions. The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) was used to assess therapeutic alliance. Results showed that movement synchrony was significantly higher in solution-focused than in problem-focused counseling, driven by differences in the problem description part. This difference may be explained by the allegiance of the counselors to the solution-focused approach, as we observed more leading synchrony during the problem description part in solution-focused sessions. There was no significant difference in therapeutic alliance between the two conditions. This study expands the understanding of counseling approaches in the field of movement synchrony and contributes valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 40% of the U.S. population have experienced mental health disorders since the COVID-19 pandemic. 40% of this group received no treatment for their mental illness. Barriers to treatment include stigma, prohibitive cost, and a belief that treatment is inaccessible, particularly in isolated or rural communities. A novel remote, EEG-enhanced VR psychotherapy system was assessed for its presence and restorativeness, and therapeutic efficacy in improving mood with a single session positive solution-focused session. Thirty adults experiencing depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to either a single session Positive Solutions Focused counseling treatment via Zoom videoconferencing, or the EEG enabled VR psychotherapy system. Participants rated the environment in the VR-EEG therapy as more restorative than Zoom counseling, t = 2.928, p < .004, Cohen's d = .259, and comparable to the Zoom session in presence. The VR-EEG system performed comparably to Zoom online counseling in clients' session ratings of depth and smoothness and client reactions, positivity, and arousal. For a treatment to be considered empirically supported, and therefore valid for use in psychotherapy, it must have equal or greater efficacy than a standard treatment or format. VR-EEG, therefore, has promise as a positive, solution-focused, brief therapy for isolated clients with depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotionally-based school non-attendance (EBSNA) is believed to impact one to two percent of children and young people (CYP): it is understood to present as severe emotional upset at the prospect of attending school. The aim of this study was to further understand parental experiences of EBSNA to enhance professional understanding and support. Adopting a "solution-oriented", exploratory qualitative design, this phenomenological research gathered retrospective experiences of successful EBSNA support, aiming to uncover "what works" when supporting children and families experiencing this difficulty. Participants completed semi-structured interviews (n = 5), and transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Themes generated provided insights into different forms of support accessed by parents, identifying potential areas for improvement arising from their experiences of challenge and successes, as well as lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. The themes (Supporting Parents; Promoting CYP's Sense of Belonging; Including and Informing Parents; Raising Awareness of EBSNA; Accessing External Professionals; Lessons Learnt from Covid-19) are presented as a framework for professional practice (SPIRAL), which has practical implications for schools and local authorities in providing support to families experiencing EBSNA. Recommendations for practice and future research are discussed, informing developments across multiple systems, and highlighting the potential of the EP role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current trends among college students include compromised mental health and wellness which have been exacerbated due to COVID-19. This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a brief, digital intervention focused on social wellness among college students on wellness-related outcomes including perceived wellness, life satisfaction, and happiness. A longitudinal, explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized. Quantitative data were collected from a total of 133 participants using questionnaires at baseline and one-week post-intervention. RM-ANOVA and post-hoc pairwise comparisons were employed to assess quantitative data. Qualitative data collection was obtained via semi-structured interviews at six weeks post-intervention and evaluated using Applied Thematic Analysis. A sub-sample (n = 23) from the participant pool (N = 133) completed the interviews. Results indicated intervention effectiveness as participants experienced significant positive change in perceived wellness, the primary outcome variable. Significant relationships were detected between wellness outcomes and goal attainment (e.g. I am confident in my ability to complete my goals) items. Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to accessibility and convenience of the intervention, increased self-awareness, and increased intentionality of participants. This study demonstrates the utility of a brief, digital intervention on wellness-related outcomes. Benefits were shown of a preventative, self-directed and solution-focused approach in enhancing wellness among college students. From a social work perspective, employing a salutogenic approach to support college students' wellbeing aligns with the field's core values. Specifically, this social wellness-focused intervention encourages self-determination, dignity and worth of the person, and emphasizes the importance of human relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Risk of suicide is increased immediately following emergency department (ED) attendance for self-harm. Evidence suggests that brief psychological interventions delivered in EDs are effective for self-harm. The Assured intervention comprises an enhanced biopsychosocial assessment in the ED, collaborative safety planning and three rapid solution focused followup sessions. Aim: We addressed the following research questions: What were ED mental health liaison practitioners' and patients' experiences of the Assured intervention? What were the barriers and facilitators? What might the mechanisms be for improving experiences and outcomes? Methods: We conducted a feasibility study of the Assured intervention in four EDs in Southeast England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 practitioners and 27 patients. Interviews were transcribed, coded line-by-line in Nvivo and thematically analysed using an inductive approach. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with a kappa coefficient of 0.744. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community Justice Centres (CJC) are a burgeoning justice phenomenon which focus on local justice solutions and which house a court with wrap-around community supports to address the underlying causes of offending. Drawing on case studies of CJCs in the USA and New Zealand, this article explores what justice systems can draw from this innovative court model by trying to mainstream its benefits. It argues that mainstreaming CJC initiatives holds real promise provided that investment is made in planning model design and leadership and in forging meaningful and sustainable partnerships with the community and key stakeholders. While there are risks that too much of the model will get lost in seeking to centralise it, it can also open up access to place-based solution-focused approaches to more citizens. It argues that the key is retaining the importance of 'the local' as the heartbeat of the CJC paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 40% of the U.S. population have experienced mental health disorders since the COVID-19 pandemic. 40% of this group received no treatment for their mental illness. Barriers to treatment include stigma, prohibitive cost, and a belief that treatment is inaccessible, particularly in isolated or rural communities. A novel remote, EEG-enhanced VR psychotherapy system was assessed for its presence and restorativeness, and therapeutic efficacy in improving mood with a single session positive solution-focused session. Thirty adults experiencing depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to either a single session Positive Solutions Focused counseling treatment via Zoom videoconferencing, or the EEG enabled VR psychotherapy system. Participants rated the environment in the VR-EEG therapy as more restorative than Zoom counseling, t = 2.928, p < .004, Cohen’s d = .259, and comparable to the Zoom session in presence. The VR-EEG system performed comparably to Zoom online counseling in clients’ session ratings of depth and smoothness and client reactions, positivity, and arousal. For a treatment to be considered empirically supported, and therefore valid for use in psychotherapy, it must have equal or greater efficacy than a standard treatment or format. VR-EEG, therefore, has promise as a positive, solution-focused, brief therapy for isolated clients with depressive symptoms.

Abstract Introduction The management of long-term physical conditions is a challenge worldwide, absorbing a majority resources despite the importance of acute care. The management of these conditions is done largely in primary care and so interventions to improve primary care could have an enormous impact. However, very little data exist on how to do this. Mental distress is frequently comorbid with long term physical conditions, and can impact on health behaviour and adherence, leading to poorer outcomes. DIALOG+ is a low-cost, patient-centred and solution-focused intervention, which is used in routine patient-clinician meetings and has been shown to improve outcomes in mental health care. The question arises as to whether it could also be used in primary care to improve the quality of life and mental health of patients with long-term physical conditions. This is particularly important for low- and middle-income countries with limited health care resources. Methods An exploratory non-controlled multi-site trial was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, and Uganda. Feasibility was determined by recruitment, retention, and session completion. Patient outcomes (quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, objective social situation) were assessed at baseline and after three approximately monthly DIALOG+ sessions. Results A total of 117 patients were enrolled in the study, 25 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32 in Colombia, and 60 in Uganda. In each country, more than 75% of anticipated participants were recruited, with retention rates over 90% and completion of the intervention exceeding 92%. Patients had significantly higher quality of life and fewer anxiety and depression symptoms at post-intervention follow-up, with moderate to large effect sizes. There were no significant improvements in objective social situation. Conclusion The findings from this exploratory trial suggest that DIALOG+ is feasible in primary care settings for patients with long-term physical conditions and may substantially improve patient outcomes. Future research may test implementation and effectiveness of DIALOG+ in randomized controlled trials in wider primary care settings in low- and middle-income countries. Trial registration All studies were registered prospectively within the ISRCTN Registry. ISRCTN17003451, 02/12/2020 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), ISRCTN14018729, 01/12/2020 (Colombia) and ISRCTN50335796, 02/12/2020 (Uganda).

BackgroundRisk of suicide is increased immediately following emergency department (ED) attendance for self-harm. Evidence suggests that brief psychological interventions delivered in EDs are effective for self-harm. The Assured intervention comprises an enhanced biopsychosocial assessment in the ED, collaborative safety planning and three rapid solution focused follow-up sessions.AimWe addressed the following research questions: What were ED mental health liaison practitioners’ and patients’ experiences of the Assured intervention? What were the barriers and facilitators? What might the mechanisms be for improving experiences and outcomes?MethodsWe conducted a feasibility study of the Assured intervention in four EDs in Southeast England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 practitioners and 27 patients. Interviews were transcribed, coded line-by-line in Nvivo and thematically analysed using an inductive approach. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with a kappa coefficient of 0.744.

The authors describe the use of a reflecting team (RT) to teach the experiential component of a master's course in small group counseling using solution-focused (SF) therapy. Doctoral students act as the RT and provide feedback to the group members who can then respond to the feedback. The authors provide an overview of the process, alternative approaches for using an RT, feedback from small groups and RT members, and a RT observation form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The management of long-term physical conditions is a challenge worldwide, absorbing a majority resources despite the importance of acute care. The management of these conditions is done largely in primary care and so interventions to improve primary care could have an enormous impact. However, very little data exist on how to do this. Mental distress is frequently comorbid with long term physical conditions, and can impact on health behaviour and adherence, leading to poorer outcomes. DIALOG+ is a low-cost, patient-centred and solution-focused intervention, which is used in routine patient-clinician meetings and has been shown to improve outcomes in mental health care. The question arises as to whether it could also be used in primary care to improve the quality of life and mental health of patients with long-term physical conditions. This is particularly important for low- and middle-income countries with limited health care resources. Methods: An exploratory non-controlled multi-site trial was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, and Uganda. Feasibility was determined by recruitment, retention, and session completion. Patient outcomes (quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, objective social situation) were assessed at baseline and after three approximately monthly DIALOG+ sessions. Results: A total of 117 patients were enrolled in the study, 25 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32 in Colombia, and 60 in Uganda. In each country, more than 75% of anticipated participants were recruited, with retention rates over 90% and completion of the intervention exceeding 92%. Patients had significantly higher quality of life and fewer anxiety and depression symptoms at post-intervention follow-up, with moderate to large effect sizes. There were no significant improvements in objective social situation. Conclusion: The findings from this exploratory trial suggest that DIALOG+ is feasible in primary care settings for patients with long-term physical conditions and may substantially improve patient outcomes. Future research may test implementation and effectiveness of DIALOG+ in randomized controlled trials in wider primary care settings in low- and middle-income countries. Trial registration: All studies were registered prospectively within the ISRCTN Registry. ISRCTN17003451, 02/12/2020 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), ISRCTN14018729, 01/12/2020 (Colombia) and ISRCTN50335796, 02/12/2020 (Uganda). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution-focused (SF) approaches are widely used in schools. The present study examined the effects of a central SF technique—"scaling"—on female secondary students' improvement expectancy (IE) and commitment to improvement (CTI). Popular follow-up questions were also tested. In Experiment 1, 120 students were randomly assigned to a "success scaling", "success scaling" plus follow-up SF question, or control condition. IE and CTI were higher in the scaling conditions than in the control group, but differences were small and not statistically significant. In Experiment 2, 115 students were randomly assigned to a "success scaling" plus one SF question, "success scaling" plus two SF questions, or problem-focused condition. Students in the doubly augmented scaling condition reported higher IE and CTI than students in the other conditions. However, differences were small and not statistically significant. The results of this study suggest that (success) scaling techniques may not be as effective as is widely supposed. Impact Statement Solution-focused (SF) approaches are common in schools and used by both teachers and school psychologists. However, SF approaches are generally multicomponent interventions, making it impossible to identify effective techniques. The present study provides the most thorough experimental evidence to date for the effectiveness of the central SF technique: (success) scaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Breast cancer, as the most prevalent malignancy among women globally and in Iran, affects important aspects of the lives of the survivors of this condition, especially the quality of sexual life. Solution-focused brief therapy is one of the therapeutic counseling approaches used in various fields, including sexual function problems. In recent years, online and internet-mediated counseling methods have received more attention. Objective This study investigated the effect of online counseling based on a solution-focused approach in improving the sexual quality of life (SQL) of women with breast cancer. Materials & methods In this clinical trial, the research population consisted of women with a history of breast cancer with a recorded file in Shahid Ramazanzadeh Radiation Oncology Center in Yazd and at least 6 months had elapsed since the end of their treatment. After selecting 80 samples based on the random numbers table, they were assigned into two groups of 40, i.e., active control and intervention, using random allocation software. Participants in the intervention group were given online counseling through the Skyroom space with a solution-focused approach. Eight weekly sessions were held each lasting 60–90 min. The active control group received an educational file to improve the SQL. All participants in two groups completed the SQL questionnaire at the beginning of the study, at the end of the study, and 1 month after the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Finally, the data of 33 participants in the intervention group and 32 participants in the active control group were analyzed. The mean score of the SQL in the intervention group increased from 68.57 ± 18.63 before the intervention to 78.84 ± 12.7 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.015), and to 79.60 ± 19.88 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.012). The mean score of the SQL in the active control group increased from 64.45 ± 22.76 before the intervention to 67.20 ± 20.29 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.33), and to 68.70 ± 20.76 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.62). The difference in the mean score of the SQL before and after the intervention between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.007). Conclusion It seems that the use of counseling with a solution-focused approach in women with a history of breast cancer improves the SQL. Thus, considering the effectiveness of this type of training, it is recommended that this method be used as a sexual health counseling method in medical centers. Trial registration This clinical trial is registered in Iranian registry center of clinical trials (IRCT) by registration code of IRCT20201221049784N1 in 06/03/2021.

Introduction: Coaching has gained acceptance in the education field as a way to enable learners to achieve their fullest potential. In the endeavor to set up a coaching ecosystem in our university, we started by equipping our educators with fundamental coaching skills and techniques. Our training workshop, Coaching As An SIT Educator, covers the key coaching competencies and is highly practice focused. Participants get hands-on skills practice using contextualised scenarios that are based on realistic academic, workplace and clinical placement settings. Methods: To address concerns on time-effectiveness, we adopt a solution-focused approach to coaching. We want to create a mindset shift for educators, from subject experts providing advice and solutions, to coaches asking powerful coaching questions that help students make discoveries and work towards their goals. We encourage our educators to engage students holistically by finding coachable moments in their daily student interactions. Results: Competency-based assessments are conducted to determine achievement of the learning outcomes, articulated by the knowledge, attitude, and demonstration of coaching skills with students. Assessments consist of a reflection, multiple-choice question (MCQ) quiz, and scenario-based coaching role plays. Participants achieved the learning outcomes as demonstrated from the assessments. Conclusion: The coach training workshop is the major pillar of our coaching initiative. Beyond the workshop, ongoing coaching development is supported through other activities and resources, including community of practice, coaching circle and knowledge repository. Opportunities for continuous learning and conversation platforms for sharing coaching experiences are part of the growing coaching ecosystem at SIT.

Solution-focused play therapy (SFPT) is a strengths-based approach to play therapy that helps children work through challenges by building on internal assets and external resources (Hartwig, 2021). SFPT is comprised of specific play therapy skills and techniques that are developmentally appropriate for all ages of children, with an emphasis on nondirective skills for younger children and more directive skills as children gain cognitive and verbal abilities. As a strengths-based theoretical modality, SFPT focuses on identifying small, measurable goals, and then working with the child to identify skills and strategies that can help them reach their goals. This article will review the history, evidence base, and foundations of SFPT, the solution-building process, and SFPT basic skills, techniques, and interventions. This article serves as an overview of the SFPT approach and underscores why this approach should be recognized in the play therapy field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) has a pivotal role in a decision to detain an individual under the Mental Health Act 1983. This article is a reflective account demonstrating how a solution-focused approach can enable an AMHP to engage constructively with the person being assessed and apply the values of anti-oppressive practice. Using a solution-focused approach enables a creative and empowering discussion of risk and may lead to a less restrictive outcome. These techniques should be part of the training and ongoing education of AMHPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Severe mental illness (SMI) presents a major challenge worldwide, affecting approximately 5–8% of the world’s population. It causes significant distress to affected people, families and wider communities, generating high costs through loss of productivity and ongoing healthcare use. Over 75% of patients with psychosis receive inadequate care and experience a negative financial impact and reduced quality of life (QoL). It is therefore a priority to reduce the treatment gap by providing low-cost, effective interventions for people with psychosis. Our research project, PIECEs, is designed to explore, adapt and test a low-cost, approach (DIALOG+) that makes use of existing resources to improve community-based care for patients with psychosis. The research will be conducted in two urban sites: Karachi, Pakistan and Chennai, India. DIALOG+ is a novel, technology-assisted and resource-oriented intervention, based on QoL research, concepts of patient-centred communication, IT developments and solution-focused therapy. However, the approach has not been rigorously tested within India and Pakistan. Our randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of DIALOG+ in improving the QoL and clinical outcomes for individuals with long-term psychosis being treated in the community in India and Pakistan. Methods To assess the acceptability, feasibility, and cost effectiveness of DIALOG+, we will conduct a cluster RCT with 210 patients and 14 clinicians in each country. The intervention will be used during a routine interaction between a clinician and a patient. It consists of a patient-centred assessment (the DIALOG scale) whereby the clinician invites the patient to rate their satisfaction with different life domains and treatment aspects, which forms the active control group. The intervention group will follow this up with a four-step solution-focused approach to identify the patient’s resources and develop solutions to deal with the patient's concerns (DIALOG+). Discussion If shown to be effective DIALOG+ has the potential to improve community-based care and the QoL for millions of people within India and Pakistan who experience psychosis. Trial registration The trial was registered prospectively on the ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN13022816 on 9 February 2022.

Background: Breast cancer, as the most prevalent malignancy among women globally and in Iran, affects important aspects of the lives of the survivors of this condition, especially the quality of sexual life. Solution-focused brief therapy is one of the therapeutic counseling approaches used in various fields, including sexual function problems. In recent years, online and internet-mediated counseling methods have received more attention. Objective: This study investigated the effect of online counseling based on a solution-focused approach in improving the sexual quality of life (SQL) of women with breast cancer. Materials & methods: In this clinical trial, the research population consisted of women with a history of breast cancer with a recorded file in Shahid Ramazanzadeh Radiation Oncology Center in Yazd and at least 6 months had elapsed since the end of their treatment. After selecting 80 samples based on the random numbers table, they were assigned into two groups of 40, i.e., active control and intervention, using random allocation software. Participants in the intervention group were given online counseling through the Skyroom space with a solution-focused approach. Eight weekly sessions were held each lasting 60–90 min. The active control group received an educational file to improve the SQL. All participants in two groups completed the SQL questionnaire at the beginning of the study, at the end of the study, and 1 month after the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Finally, the data of 33 participants in the intervention group and 32 participants in the active control group were analyzed. The mean score of the SQL in the intervention group increased from 68.57 ± 18.63 before the intervention to 78.84 ± 12.7 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.015), and to 79.60 ± 19.88 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.012). The mean score of the SQL in the active control group increased from 64.45 ± 22.76 before the intervention to 67.20 ± 20.29 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.33), and to 68.70 ± 20.76 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.62). The difference in the mean score of the SQL before and after the intervention between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.007). Conclusion: It seems that the use of counseling with a solution-focused approach in women with a history of breast cancer improves the SQL. Thus, considering the effectiveness of this type of training, it is recommended that this method be used as a sexual health counseling method in medical centers. Trial registration: This clinical trial is registered in Iranian registry center of clinical trials (IRCT) by registration code of IRCT20201221049784N1 in 06/03/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution-focused approaches are one approach to treatment used in a wide variety of settings in modern mental healthcare services. As yet, there has been no overall synthesis of how this approach is understood in the adult mental health literature. This conceptual review aimed to synthesize the ways that solutionfocused approaches have been conceptualized and understood, within the adult mental health literature, in the five decades since their conception. A systematic search followed by multiple techniques from the narrative synthesis approach were used to develop a conceptual framework of the extracted data. Fifty-six papers published between 1993 and 2019 were included in the review. These papers spanned a variety of clinical contexts and countries, but despite this the underlying key principles and concepts of solution-focused approaches were remarkably similar over time and setting. Thematic analysis of extracted data outlined five key themes relevant to the conceptualization of this approach. This conceptual framework will help support clinicians using solution-focused techniques or therapies by giving them a coherent understanding of such approaches, by what mechanisms they work, and how key principles of this approach can be utilized in adult mental health settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe mental illness (SMI) presents a major challenge worldwide, affecting approximately 5–8% of the world's population. It causes significant distress to affected people, families and wider communities, generating high costs through loss of productivity and ongoing healthcare use. Over 75% of patients with psychosis receive inadequate care and experience a negative financial impact and reduced quality of life (QoL). It is therefore a priority to reduce the treatment gap by providing low-cost, effective interventions for people with psychosis. Our research project, PIECEs, is designed to explore, adapt and test a low-cost, approach (DIALOG+) that makes use of existing resources to improve community-based care for patients with psychosis. The research will be conducted in two urban sites: Karachi, Pakistan and Chennai, India. DIALOG+ is a novel, technology-assisted and resource-oriented intervention, based on QoL research, concepts of patient-centred communication, IT developments and solution-focused therapy. However, the approach has not been rigorously tested within India and Pakistan. Our randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of DIALOG+ in improving the QoL and clinical outcomes for individuals with long-term psychosis being treated in the community in India and Pakistan. Methods: To assess the acceptability, feasibility, and cost effectiveness of DIALOG+, we will conduct a cluster RCT with 210 patients and 14 clinicians in each country. The intervention will be used during a routine interaction between a clinician and a patient. It consists of a patient-centred assessment (the DIALOG scale) whereby the clinician invites the patient to rate their satisfaction with different life domains and treatment aspects, which forms the active control group. The intervention group will follow this up with a four-step solution-focused approach to identify the patient's resources and develop solutions to deal with the patient's concerns (DIALOG+). Discussion: If shown to be effective DIALOG+ has the potential to improve community-based care and the QoL for millions of people within India and Pakistan who experience psychosis. Trial registration: The trial was registered prospectively on the ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN13022816 on 9 February 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 continues to cause major disruptions and unique challenges in the higher education sector. Some of the most profound disruptions are in health sciences where students depend on current, up-to-date information, interdisciplinary collaboration, and work-integrated learning to acquire the needed skill set to become proficient clinical practitioners. Combining the Covid-19 pandemic with emergency remote teaching and an outdated 25-yearold non-responsive, fragmented curriculum created the perfect storm for a wicked problem. (A problem that is almost impossible to solve due to incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognise.) In this article, the authors share their journey-in-process of design thinking disentanglement to solve this current and wicked problem. Shortly before the start of the pandemic, the specific medical school under study embarked on a re-curriculation process--a process that was rudely and abruptly distorted and tangled by the pandemic. However, despite the initial setback, they continue with this mammoth task, basing their activities on "design thinking" principles. They purposively approach this task from within a human-centred, value-based, solution-focused, action-orientated and systematic reasoning process. The five intertwined, non-linear design thinking phases of empathise (stake-holder analysis and data collection), define (data analysis and problem statement), ideate (possible solutions), prototype (integrated draft curriculum) and test (stake-holder feedback and input) were adopted as a method to facilitate and expedite the re-curriculation process. The process discussed in this manuscript has value beyond the health sciences. The approach to storyboarding, creating, and unpacking a new curriculum is applicable to all disciplines in multiple educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Resource-oriented interventions can be a low-cost option to improve care for patients with severe mental illnesses in low-resource settings. From 2018 to 2021 we conducted three randomized controlled trials testing resource-oriented interventions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), i.e. befriending through volunteers, multi-family groups, and improving patient-clinician meetings using the DIALOG+ intervention. All interventions were applied over 6 months and showed significant benefits for patients’ quality of life, social functioning, and symptom levels. In this study, we explore whether patient experiences point to common processes in these interventions. Methods In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients from each intervention, resulting in a total sample of 45 patients. Patients were purposively selected at the end of the interventions including patients with different levels of engagement and different outcomes. Interviews explored the experiences of patients and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the thematic analysis framework proposed by Braun and Clark. Results Three broad themes captured the overall experiences of patients receiving resource-oriented interventions: An increased confidence and agency in the treatment process; A new and unexpected experience in treatment; Concerns about the sustainability of the interventions. Conclusions The findings suggest that the three interventions – although focusing on different relationships of the patients – lead to similar beneficial experiences. In addition to being novel in the context of the mental health care system in B&H, they empower patients to take a more active and confident role in treatment. Whilst strengthening patients’ agency in their treatment may be seen as a value in itself, it may also help to achieve significantly improved treatment outcomes. This shows promise for the implementation of these interventions in other low-resource countries with similar settings.

Solution-focused approaches are one approach to treatment used in a wide variety of settings in modern mental healthcare services. As yet, there has been no overall synthesis of how this approach is understood in the adult mental health literature. This conceptual review aimed to synthesize the ways that solution-focused approaches have been conceptualized and understood, within the adult mental health literature, in the five decades since their conception. A systematic search followed by multiple techniques from the narrative synthesis approach were used to develop a conceptual framework of the extracted data. Fifty-six papers published between 1993 and 2019 were included in the review. These papers spanned a variety of clinical contexts and countries, but despite this the underlying key principles and concepts of solution-focused approaches were remarkably similar over time and setting. Thematic analysis of extracted data outlined five key themes relevant to the conceptualization of this approach. This conceptual framework will help support clinicians using solution-focused techniques or therapies by giving them a coherent understanding of such approaches, by what mechanisms they work, and how key principles of this approach can be utilized in adult mental health settings.

Goal‐setting with older adults in home care is often inhibited by a lack of structure to support person‐ and family‐centred care planning, paternalistic decision‐making and task‐oriented delivery models. The objective of this research study was to determine how goal‐setting practices for older adults could be re‐oriented around individuals' self‐perceived goals, needs and preferences. Solution‐focused semi‐structured key informant interviews were conducted with older adult home care clients aged 65 years and older (n = 13) and their family/friend caregivers (n = 12) to explore changes, solutions and strategies for person‐ and family‐centred goal‐setting. Participants were recruited through community advertisement in a single region of Ontario, Canada between July and October of 2017. Interviews were conducted in‐person and were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was guided by a multi‐step framework method. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) seeing beyond age enables respect and dignity; (2) relational communication involves two‐way information sharing; (3) doing 'with' instead of doing 'for' promotes participation and (4) collaboration is easier when older adults and caregivers lead the way. Older adults and caregivers want to be actively engaged in dialogue during care planning to ensure their preferences are included. The findings from this study add the direct perspectives of older adults and their caregivers to literature on solutions to address ageism, improve communication, enhance information sharing and promote collaboration in geriatric care. Next steps for this work could involve testing the changes, solutions and strategies that emerged to determine the effect on person‐ and family‐centred home care delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to investigate the effect of short-term solution-focused couple therapy on irrational thoughts and marital adjustment of incompatible couples. This is a quasiexperimental research with pretest/posttest and control group. The population consisted of all couples visiting Behzisti counseling centers in Rasht between 2019 to 2020. The sample for this study was selected 16 couples and couples who wished to participate in the study were selected using convenience sampling, and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The instruments used in this study included Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and Irrational Beliefs Test-Ahwaz (4 IBT-A). After random assignment of experimental and control groups, the experimental intervention (solution-focused therapy), was performed on the experimental group for 7 sessions of 90-minute once a week and after completing the training program, posttest was taken from both groups. The results of covariance analysis (univariate) of data showed that the solution-focused training through helping couples remind the days that they were compatible with each other and pointing to their past successful relationships resulted in increasing marital adjustment and also by encouraging them to positive talk, reduced irrational thoughts of couples in experimental group compared with the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of a solution-oriented and approach-based psychoeducation programme, initiated in December 2019 and conducted online during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, on children's emotional resilience and problemsolving skills. In the world that was closed with the pandemic, children were kept away from the social support system of teachers and friends. Pandemic isolated the children. The negative experiences associated with COVID-19 have placed both traditional approaches and important online learning and support applications on the agenda, since both can help to solve the problems we face. Educators and experts have provided psychological support services, questioning the methods used to reach people during the pandemic and rediscovering alternative ways of connecting with individuals through online media. The online framework of this study emerged in response to the needs caused by the pandemic. The study is designed using a real experimental pattern and is based on a pretest-posttest, experimental/control-group model. The Social Support Evaluation Scale for Children and Teenagers was used to select the participants. In total, 18 participants were equally assigned to research groups (experiment n = 9, control n = 9). The psychoeducation programme consisted of six sessions, each lasting 50-60 min on average. Research carried out online during the pandemic shows that this psychoeducation programme is effective in strengthening students' problem-solving and emotional resilience skills. These findings are discussed within the framework of the literature, followed by recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing need in schools and/or at home, as well as in society at large, to find ways to help students develop social-emotional and self-management skills, particularly in cases when they exhibit emotional or behavioral problems. This study aims at exploring how Kids'Skills (KS), a method based on solution-focused psychology, can be used to help students overcome emotional or behavioral problems through learning relevant skills. We collected 23 case descriptions during a two-year period (2017 to 2019) from KS practitioners who had used the method in their workplace, at school, at a kindergarten, or at home. We used content analysis for the qualitative data analysis. The analysis results demonstrate how the KS method can be used to support students in learning social-emotional and self-management skills to overcome their difficulties. This study found four key components of the KS method that appear to be critical for producing desired changes in children. These are (1) helping students to identify specific social-emotional and/or self-management skills that they need to learn to overcome their difficulties; (2) supporting students in learning their identified skills by helping them understand what the skill entails and become aware of their strengths and resources; (3) assisting students in acquiring their identified skills; and (4) reinforcing the learned skills to ensure sustainable effects. We conclude that the KS method offers support for students in learning self-management and social-emotional skills to ensure their sustainable growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background DIALOG+ is a resource-oriented and evidence-based intervention to improve quality of life and reduce mental distress. While it has been extensively studied in mental health care, there is little evidence for how to use it in primary care settings for patients with chronic physical conditions. Considering that DIALOG+ is used in existing routine patient-clinician meetings and is very low cost, it may have the potential to help large numbers of patients with chronic physical conditions, mental distress and poor quality of life who are treated in primary care. This is particularly relevant in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources for specialised services for such patients are scarce or non-existent. Methods An exploratory non-controlled trial will be conducted to primarily assess the feasibility and acceptability and, secondarily, outcomes of delivering DIALOG+ to patients with chronic physical conditions and poor quality of life in primary care settings in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia and Uganda. Thirty patients in each country will receive DIALOG+ up to three times in monthly meetings over a 3-month period. Feasibility will be assessed by determining the extent to which the intervention is implemented as planned. Experiences will be captured in interviews and focus groups with care providers and participants to understand acceptability. Quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, objective social situation and health status will be assessed at baseline and again after the three-session intervention. Discussion This study will inform our understanding of the extent to which DIALOG+ may be used in the routine care of patients with chronic physical conditions in different primary care settings. The findings of this exploratory trial can inform the design of future full randomised controlled trials of DIALOG+ in primary care settings in LMICs. Trial registration All studies were registered prospectively (on 02/12/2020 for Uganda and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 01/12/2020 for Colombia) within the ISRCTN Registry. ISRCTN17003451 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), ISRCTN14018729 (Colombia) and ISRCTN50335796 (Uganda). Protocol version and date: v2.0; 28/07/2020 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), v0.3 02/08/2020 (Colombia) and v1.0, 05/11/2020 (Uganda).

This study investigates the effects of a solution-oriented and approach-based psychoeducation programme, initiated in December 2019 and conducted online during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, on children’s emotional resilience and problem-solving skills. In the world that was closed with the pandemic, children were kept away from the social support system of teachers and friends. Pandemic isolated the children. The negative experiences associated with COVID-19 have placed both traditional approaches and important online learning and support applications on the agenda, since both can help to solve the problems we face. Educators and experts have provided psychological support services, questioning the methods used to reach people during the pandemic and rediscovering alternative ways of connecting with individuals through online media. The online framework of this study emerged in response to the needs caused by the pandemic. The study is designed using a real experimental pattern and is based on a pretest-posttest, experimental/control-group model. The Social Support Evaluation Scale for Children and Teenagers was used to select the participants. In total, 18 participants were equally assigned to research groups (experiment n = 9, control n = 9). The psychoeducation programme consisted of six sessions, each lasting 50–60 min on average. Research carried out online during the pandemic shows that this psychoeducation programme is effective in strengthening students’ problem-solving and emotional resilience skills. These findings are discussed within the framework of the literature, followed by recommendations.

Abstract Background Treating chronic depression represents a significant burden for the NHS, yet there is a lack of evidence-based interventions and research specifically focused on this condition. DIALOG+, a technology-assisted and resource-oriented intervention found effective for people with psychosis, may improve care for this service user group. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability and relevance of DIALOG+ for the treatment of chronic depression in community-based settings. Methods A convenience sample of 16 mental health professionals and 29 service users with chronic depression tested the DIALOG+ intervention in routine community care appointments for 3 months across 3 different mental health NHS Trusts in England. Of these, 15 clinicians and 19 service users were individually interviewed about their experiences. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis by an analytic team which included a service user researcher. Results Analysis of the combined dataset identified five overarching themes: DIALOG+ Structure; Therapeutic Communication; Reflecting and Monitoring; Empowerment and Powerlessness; and The Impact of Technology. Overall, service users and clinicians were interested in the continued use of DIALOG+ as part of routine care. Conclusions DIALOG+ was viewed as acceptable by both service users with chronic depression and their clinicians who work in community care settings, albeit with some caveats. Clinician training required significant improvements to address the issues that were referenced, most notably around support with using technology.

Introduction: Resource-oriented interventions can be a low-cost option to improve care for patients with severe mental illnesses in low-resource settings. From 2018 to 2021 we conducted three randomized controlled trials testing resource-oriented interventions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), i.e. befriending through volunteers, multi-family groups, and improving patient-clinician meetings using the DIALOG+ intervention. All interventions were applied over 6 months and showed significant benefits for patients' quality of life, social functioning, and symptom levels. In this study, we explore whether patient experiences point to common processes in these interventions. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients from each intervention, resulting in a total sample of 45 patients. Patients were purposively selected at the end of the interventions including patients with different levels of engagement and different outcomes. Interviews explored the experiences of patients and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the thematic analysis framework proposed by Braun and Clark. Results: Three broad themes captured the overall experiences of patients receiving resource-oriented interventions: An increased confidence and agency in the treatment process; A new and unexpected experience in treatment; Concerns about the sustainability of the interventions. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the three interventions – although focusing on different relationships of the patients – lead to similar beneficial experiences. In addition to being novel in the context of the mental health care system in B&H, they empower patients to take a more active and confident role in treatment. Whilst strengthening patients' agency in their treatment may be seen as a value in itself, it may also help to achieve significantly improved treatment outcomes. This shows promise for the implementation of these interventions in other low-resource countries with similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of expressive writing on the working memory capacity of middle adolescents (learners 15–17 years old) and young adults (students 18–24 years old) in the South African context. The assumption underlying the research was that expressive writing about a stressful event would reduce unwanted thoughts and the resultant demand on cognitive resources, thereby increasing working memory capacity. Two experiments were conducted involving a sample of 28 school learners and a sample of 38 university students. In each experiment, the participants were assigned to three writing conditions: a factual event for the control group and either just a stressful event, or a solution to a stressful event, for the two experimental groups. It was postulated that the solution-focused group would gain the most from the expressive writing tasks. Working memory capacity assessments were conducted before and after the expressive writing intervention and again about 14 weeks later to test for a long-term effect on working memory capacity. A positive effect was found regarding the working memory capacity of the students, but there was no statistically significant improvement in the working memory capacity of the learners. Furthermore, although the results of the student groups did indicate that an expressive writing intervention may enhance working memory capacity, this effect was not mostly restricted to the solution-focused experimental groups as was hypothesised. Instead, the results suggested that expressive writing exercises may have had a positive effect on the memory performance of all three groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Parenting support has shifted from a problem‐focused to a strengths‐based solution‐focused approach. This study surveyed public health nurses to explain their intention to provide solution‐focused parenting support in their practice. Design: The design of this study was cross‐sectional. Sample: The initial sample included 781 public health nurses who were employed with various youth healthcare organizations in the Netherlands. Measurements: Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, a questionnaire was developed and administered to measure (a) behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, (b) attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, and (c) intention. The data were subjected to structural equation modeling. Results: A total of 449 (57.5%) public health nurses completed questionnaires. Associations as indicated by the Theory of Planned Behavior were confirmed with the exception of that between perceived behavioral control and intention. Statistically significant paths and correlations were added. The final model accounted for 53% of the variance in the intention to perform solution‐focused parenting support. Conclusions: In this study, public health nurses strongly intended to provide solution‐focused parenting support, thus indicating their acceptance of the approach. Their intention was predominantly associated with subjective norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore solution-focused coaching (SFC) as a means to enhance pediatric rehabilitation practitioners' development of listening skills. Six clinicians each participated in two SFC sessions with an experienced coach who used a practice model developed for pediatric rehabilitation (SFC-peds). The transcribed interviews were analyzed by inductive content analysis to identify the coach's use of relational strategies and the nature of what was being co-constructed in the sessions. The coach used six relational strategies (e.g., supporting reflective and critical thinking). Through dialogue and reflection, the coach and clinician co-constructed four important outcomes, including shared meaning, awareness and discovery of strengths and values, discovery of strategies and opportunities, and forward movement The study informs our understanding of the relational processes and benefits of SFC conversations. These conversations appear to provide an optimal learning space to enhance professional development, by facilitating the co-creation of meaning, awareness, and intentionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Background: The birth of a disabled child influences a wonderful effect on parents psych especially mothers. The birth of disabled child could be let parents down and cause to be hard to cope with. Therefore, the present research aimed to study of effectiveness of native solution-focused therapy based on narrations of mothers with mentally retarded children on their resilience. Methods and Materials: The research method of this paper was semi-experimental with pretest, posttest, and control group design. The research population include all mothers who has disable child and were referred to Welfare Organization of Arak in the first 3-month of 2019 year. The research sample includes 40 mothers who were selected randomly among research population (each group 20 subjects). To gather the data Conner and Davidson’s questionnaire was used. The experimental group received solution-focused therapy intervention and the subjects of control group were in waitlist. Analyzing the data carried out by Repeated Measure ANOVA. Findings: The results showed that native solution-focused therapy intervention has been effective on resiliency of mothers with disabled children (p

Mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII) and solution-focused coaching (SFC) questions are self-coaching interventions that share similar theoretical constructs and stimulate constructive thinking in terms of idealised future outcomes and realistic appraisal of one's current situation. However, no research has compared the efficacy of these two self-coaching methodologies. This experiment aimed to compare the effect of MCII and SFC questions on goal-directed outcomes. We conducted an online experiment where 113 undergraduates described an important personal problem, completed pre-intervention assessment, performed a brief computer-guided intervention of MCII or SFC questions, and then completed post-intervention assessment. We found that MCII and SFC questions increased perceived goal progression, self-efficacy, and positive affect, and decreased negative affect, to a similar extent. Levels of problem clarity and solution-focused thinking were comparable at post-intervention between MCII and SFC questions. We observed two main differences between the interventions: (a) self-insight was higher following MCII than SFC questions and (b) expectations of success increased from SFC questions but remained unchanged from MCII. Our results suggest that coaches seeking to integrate evidence-based self-coaching methodologies into their coaching practice have scope to recommend either MCII or SFC questions as take-home exercises to help their clients maximise goal attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research demonstrates that interprofessional education (IPE) is effective in changing attitudes and behaviors among college students and health professionals. This study utilized a longitudinal, mixed-methods design to assess impacts of a brief IPE intervention focusing on multidimensional wellness promotion. The intervention incorporated principles of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and integrated a multidimensional conceptualization of wellness with Solution-Focused Coaching (SFC), an evidence-based approach to behavior change. One hundred and seventy-six (N = 176) students from health science programs (e.g. social work, nursing) at a large Western university were recruited for the study. Quantitative results demonstrated significant (p <.01) differences between pre, postintervention, and six-week follow-up, as well as between intervention and control groups (p <.01). To augment quantitative data, brief, semi-structured interviews were completed with thirteen (n = 13) participants. Results of an Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) included five emergent themes: increased multidimensional wellness understanding, holistic conceptualization of patients, more training needed related to wellness, encouraging small behavior changes, and the importance of self-care. Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief, solution-focused wellness promotion intervention in changing attitudes, understanding, and intention related to utilizing a multidimensional model of wellness with college students in helping professions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DIALOG+ is a resource-oriented and evidence-based intervention to improve quality of life and reduce mental distress. While it has been extensively studied in mental health care, there is little evidence for how to use it in primary care settings for patients with chronic physical conditions. Considering that DIALOG+ is used in existing routine patient-clinician meetings and is very low cost, it may have the potential to help large numbers of patients with chronic physical conditions, mental distress and poor quality of life who are treated in primary care. This is particularly relevant in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources for specialised services for such patients are scarce or non-existent. Methods: An exploratory non-controlled trial will be conducted to primarily assess the feasibility and acceptability and, secondarily, outcomes of delivering DIALOG+ to patients with chronic physical conditions and poor quality of life in primary care settings in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia and Uganda. Thirty patients in each country will receive DIALOG+ up to three times in monthly meetings over a 3-month period. Feasibility will be assessed by determining the extent to which the intervention is implemented as planned. Experiences will be captured in interviews and focus groups with care providers and participants to understand acceptability. Quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, objective social situation and health status will be assessed at baseline and again after the three-session intervention. Discussion: This study will inform our understanding of the extent to which DIALOG+ may be used in the routine care of patients with chronic physical conditions in different primary care settings. The findings of this exploratory trial can inform the design of future full randomised controlled trials of DIALOG+ in primary care settings in LMICs. Trial registration: All studies were registered prospectively (on 02/12/2020 for Uganda and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 01/12/2020 for Colombia) within the ISRCTN Registry. ISRCTN17003451 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), ISRCTN14018729 (Colombia) and ISRCTN50335796 (Uganda). Protocol version and date: v2.0; 28/07/2020 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), v0.3 02/08/2020 (Colombia) and v1.0, 05/11/2020 (Uganda). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII) enhances commitment and goal attainment. However, most studies have used limited comparison conditions. The present study compared MCII against two other potentially effective approaches: autonomous planning (AP), and solution-focused planning (SFP). It was thought that condition would have an indirect effect on goal progress by affecting commitment. However, goal attainment expectancy was hypothesised to be a moderator such that MCII has positive effects when expectancy is high but negative effects when expectancy is low. Ninety-eight female students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: 1) MCII, 2) AP, or 3) SFP. All students initially set themselves a goal for the coming week regarding personal projects. Mean commitment and goal progress were marginally higher in the MCII condition than in the AP and SFP conditions but the differences were not statistically significant and (as predicted) much smaller than in previous research. Expectancy did not appear to have a moderating effect. The apparent benefits of MCII were larger relative to AP than to SFP. Results suggest that MCII may sometimes be no more effective than other approaches to goal-setting and planning, particularly if they are evidence-based and carefully-designed. Implications for schools are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Severe mental illness (SMI) presents a major burden to societies worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often do not have sufficient financial resources and qualified staff to provide extensive specialised services for outpatients with SMI. Our research therefore aims to explore and test low-cost interventions that use existing resources in routine patient-clinician meetings, families and communities. Methods In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia and Uganda, three psychosocial interventions will be tested, i.e. making patient-clinician meetings therapeutically effective through DIALOG+, family involvement in multi-family group meetings, and support for patients in befriending schemes with volunteers. All interventions will be provided to patients with SMI, delivered over a six-month period and evaluated with assessments at baseline and after six and 12 months. We will conduct nine trials including non-controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Core outcome criteria will be used across all studies. However, details of study delivery and additional outcome criteria vary to accommodate local contexts, interests and priorities. The studies will be analysed separately, but with the option to compare and combine findings. Discussion The approach provides the opportunity to learn from commonalities and differences in the results and experiences across the three resource-oriented approaches and the three countries. If successfully implemented the studies can lead to more extensive research and are expected to inform health policies and clinical practice of community care for patients with SMI in the three participating countries and other LMICs. Trial registration All RCTs were registered prospectively and non-randomised trials retrospectively within the ISRCTN Registry. DIALOG+ in Uganda: ISRCTN25146122 (Date of Registration: 20/11/2018, prospective); DIALOG+ in Colombia: ISRCTN83333181 (Date of Registration: 20/11/2018, prospective); DIALOG+ in Bosnia-Herzegovina: ISRCTN13347129 (Date of Registration: 20/11/2018, prospective); Volunteer Support in Uganda: ISRCTN86689958 (Date of Registration: 04/03/2019, retrospective); Volunteer Support in Colombia: ISRCTN72241383 (Date of Registration: 04/03/2019, retrospective);Volunteer Support in Bosnia-Herzegovina: ISRCTN51290984 (Date of Registration: 20/11/2018, prospective); Family Involvement in Uganda: ISRCTN78948497 (Date of Registration: 04/03/2019, retrospective); Family Involvement in Colombia: ISRCTN11440755 (Date of Registration: 04/03/2019, retrospective); Family Involvement in Bosnia-Herzegovina: ISRCTN13347355 (Date of Registration: 20/11/2018, prospective).

Background: Treating chronic depression represents a significant burden for the NHS, yet there is a lack of evidence-based interventions and research specifically focused on this condition. DIALOG+, a technology-assisted and resource-oriented intervention found effective for people with psychosis, may improve care for this service user group. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability and relevance of DIALOG+ for the treatment of chronic depression in community-based settings. Methods: A convenience sample of 16 mental health professionals and 29 service users with chronic depression tested the DIALOG+ intervention in routine community care appointments for 3 months across 3 different mental health NHS Trusts in England. Of these, 15 clinicians and 19 service users were individually interviewed about their experiences. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis by an analytic team which included a service user researcher. Results: Analysis of the combined dataset identified five overarching themes: DIALOG+ Structure; Therapeutic Communication; Reflecting and Monitoring; Empowerment and Powerlessness; and The Impact of Technology. Overall, service users and clinicians were interested in the continued use of DIALOG+ as part of routine care. Conclusions: DIALOG+ was viewed as acceptable by both service users with chronic depression and their clinicians who work in community care settings, albeit with some caveats. Clinician training required significant improvements to address the issues that were referenced, most notably around support with using technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this 6-year, multi-study paper we summarize a new and effective framework of single-session problem-solving developed in an elite sport context at a world leading national institute of sport science and medicine (English Institute of Sport: EIS). In Study 1, we used ethnography (3.5 years) to observe how single-session problem-solving methods were being considered, explored, introduced and developed within the EIS. In Study 2, we used case-study methods split into two parts. A multiple case-study design (10 cases) was employed in Part one to evaluate how the approach was refined into an effective framework of practice. An individual case-study is then illustrated to detail the framework in-action. Collectively, findings realized a framework of single-session problem-solving for use both inside and outside of elite sport that focused on ways to reframe clients’ problems into more ‘solvable’ descriptions. Guidance for psychologists wishing to integrate these problem-solving techniques into their practice are offered.

In this 6-year, multi-study paper we summarize a new and effective framework of single-session problem-solving developed in an elite sport context at a world leading national institute of sport science and medicine (English Institute of Sport: EIS). In Study 1, we used ethnography (3.5 years) to observe how single-session problem-solving methods were being considered, explored, introduced and developed within the EIS. In Study 2, we used case-study methods split into two parts. A multiple case-study design (10 cases) was employed in Part one to evaluate how the approach was refined into an effective framework of practice. An individual case-study is then illustrated to detail the framework in-action. Collectively, findings realized a framework of single-session problem-solving for use both inside and outside of elite sport that focused on ways to reframe clients' problems into more 'solvable' descriptions. Guidance for psychologists wishing to integrate these problem-solving techniques into their practice are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of solution-focused coaching(SFC) on the emotion and self-perception in nurses with job burnout.Methods:Sixty female nurses with moderate to severe job burnout in a hospital were randomly allocated into the SFC group and control group.The participants in the SFC group were intervened with solution-focused coaching once a week for 30 minutes,which lasted for 3 weeks.The participants in the control group read at the same frequency and time.In the baseline and after the 3-week intervention,the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule(PANAS),Attention to Positive and Negative Inventory(APNI),and a selfreference valence task were used to measure the effects.Results:In the post-intervention test,the scores of Positive Affect(PA) and Attention to Positive Inventory(API) were higher in the SFC group than in the control group(Ps<0.05),and the scores of Attention to Negative Inventory(ANI) were lower in the SFC group than in the control group(P <0.05).In addition,the ratio of positive trait words to be rated as being able to describe themselves in the post-test was higher than that at baseline in the SFC group(P <0.05).Conclusion:It shows that solution-focused coaching could improve the positive emotion of female nurses with burnout,improve their attention bias to positive information,and also enhance their positive self-perception,suggesting that it might be an effective intervention method to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine solution-focused coaching (SFC) as a means to enhance clinicians' professional development. Methods: Six pediatric rehabilitation clinicians (three physical, two occupational, and one behavior therapist) each received two SFC sessions targeting clinical listening goals. Conversational intervals were noted in session transcriptions. Frequencies of relational strategies and conversational intervals were calculated. The meaning of intervals > 10 s was examined. Results: The most frequent relational strategies indicated that SFC facilitates reflection and critical thinking, and encourages action. An appreciable number of long intervals (>10 s) occurred, indicating substantial reflection by participants. These were embedded in relational dialogue sequences involving coach questions and formulations, and participant pauses. Conclusions: The findings support the use of SFC as a professional development tool and substantiate the view that SFC 'works' through the coach's use of relational strategies designed to facilitate collaborative conversations that build solutions through an emphasis on reflection and action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]