Investigation into participant experiences of guided self-help interventions for depression

Section A: Presented here is a meta-synthesis of the current literature investigating participant experiences of guided self-help interventions for depression. A total of twelve
studies were included within the review which were assessed to be of medium to high quality. Methodological limitations included a lack of author reflexivity and relatively homogenous samples. Findings from the review suggested a range of experience across participants with the perceived suitability and acceptability of the guided self-help intervention playing an important role. Participants largely perceived the guidance offered to be a helpful factor
particularly where the supporter was flexible and able to form a good therapeutic alliance. The findings of the review are discussed in light of the limitations and recommendations for future research and implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Section B: Presented here is a qualitative study investigating the comparative experiences of
participants attending either a guided self-help intervention based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-GSH) or mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT-GSH). Twenty-four
participants took part in a semi-structured interview within one month of completing the guided self-help intervention. Interviews were analysed using template analysis, a form of
thematic analysis, and presented within the results as a series of themes and sub-themes. The findings discuss the experiences of participants of a novel MBCT-GSH and an established CBT-GSH intervention within clinical settings. Key limitations, directions for future research and implications for clinical practice are discussed