Brief Intervention for Deliberate Self Harm: an Exploratory Study

The objective of this study was to develop & explore the effectiveness of a 4-session intervention that combined elements of acceptance & commitment therapy with elements of solution focused brief therapy to prevent deliberate self-harm in adults. An experimental pilot study with follow-up assessments at 4- & 6-months after baseline was conducted using a random sample of 16 participants, consecutively assigned to a control group receiving treatment as usual or to an intervention group receiving the intervention & treatment as usual. Both groups evidenced significant changes over time in the incidence of deliberate self-harm. The intervention group further evidenced significant changes over time in depression & emotional dysregulation. (49 refs.) JA