Feasibility and Acceptability of Integrating Principles of Sensory Regulation, Theraplay®, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and Dyadic-Developmental Psychotherapy (STEDi) with Adoptive Families: A Framework Analysis.

Integrative interventions for the psychotherapeutic treatment of developmental trauma and attachment difficulties in care experienced children have recently increased, however scientific exploration of the acceptability and feasibility of these practices is lacking. This study aimed to establish the...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Child & Family Studies Vol. 34; no. 5; pp. 1178 - 1196
Autores principales: Purrington, Jack, Goodall, Shona, Lynch, Jacqueline
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Springer Nature May2025
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Integrative interventions for the psychotherapeutic treatment of developmental trauma and attachment difficulties in care experienced children have recently increased, however scientific exploration of the acceptability and feasibility of these practices is lacking. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and explore the retrospective acceptability of an integrative intervention for adoptive families which included principles of Sensory Regulation, Theraplay®, Dyadic-Developmental Psychotherapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. Feasibility was assessed via descriptive analysis of recipient attendance patterns and assessment measure completion rates. Acceptability was explored utilising Framework Analysis of semi-structured interviews with separate analyses for intervention deliverers and recipients. Purposive sampling recruited nine therapists and 14 adoptive parents from eight families within the UK. Credibility was maintained via service user/deliverer consultation, triangulation, member checking, reflexive logs, and quality appraisal checklists. The intervention was deemed feasible and acceptable for therapists and adoptive parents. Issues detracting from acceptability for therapists included the risk of integrating models for unsuitable reasons at unsuitable times, uncertainty relating to integrating effectively, and pressure on decision making when integrating models. Issues for adoptive parents included therapy being unable to ameliorate all their difficulties, aspects being hard to understand, aspects being uncomfortable and uncertain, and the therapy requiring high levels of effort. To enhance acceptability a Delphi study contributing to the development of competence and adherence measures would be valuable for therapists. Adoptive parents would benefit from services taking steps to enhance their understanding whilst integrating these approaches. Finally, research investigating the efficacy of integrating these modalities is required. Highlights: This is the first study exploring the feasibility and acceptability of integrating Sensory regulation, Theraplay®, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (STEDi) and with adoptive families. The integration of Sensory regulation, Theraplay®, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy was deemed feasible for all intervention recipients and acceptable to all recipients and deliverers. Adoptive parent acceptability was mediated by the level of clarity and comfort they experience during therapy. Therapist acceptability could be enhanced with greater guidance relating to how to integrate effectively. Future research evaluating the integration of Sensory regulation Theraplay®, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy should include quantitative examinations of acceptability, a Delphi study contributing to the development of competency and adherence measures, and studies of preliminary efficacy.