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Implementation of a brief online skills group of dialectical behaviour therapy for emotional dysregulation in Latinx: a withdrawal experimental single-case design

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2023

Amanda M. Muñoz-Martínez*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of the Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Yvonne Gómez
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of the Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Iona Naismith
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of the Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Daniela González-Rodríguez
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of the Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
*
*Corresponding author. Email: am.munozm@uniandes.edu.co; amandamile@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills groups have shown promise as an effective treatment for clients with emotional dysregulation, especially when combined with individual DBT. However, their efficacy is not well established as an online therapy, or in the Latinx population.

Aims:

This study aimed to explore satisfaction, retention and effects of an internet-based DBT group added to individual online sessions.

Method:

An ABAB withdrawal experimental single-case design was conducted to evaluate the effect of a brief online DBT skills group on emotional dysregulation, anxiety and depression for five Latinx participants. DBT skills group (phase B) were compared with placebo group sessions (phase A) and fortnightly individual DBT sessions were offered throughout to manage risk.

Results:

Visual inspection showed a decrease in level of emotional dysregulation and a large effect size according to the Nonoverlap of All Pairs when comparing group DBT and placebo phases. Although depression symptoms decreased after introducing group DBT, anxiety indicators decreased most during the second round of group placebo sessions.

Discussion:

Whilst only a pilot, this study suggests that online group DBT in Latinx populations is feasible and effective for changing emotional regulation processes but may not effectively target anxiety. Future research might increase the number of DBT sessions in order to enhance learning opportunities and generalization. Replication with larger sample sizes and diverse modalities is needed.

Type
Main
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

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