Efficacy of a group-based low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) self-help programme for older adults experiencing low mood.

The LLTTF programme is life skills educational course based on CBT principles. The programme will be facilitated by the Lead researcher Doctorate of Clinical Psychology Candidate James Martyn. The facilitator will undergo weekly supervision regarding the classes with a registered clinical psychologist who specialises in older adult health (Associate Professor Paul Merrick). Classes will run once a week, for eight weeks, with classes taking approximately 1.5 hours. Measures will be taken each week, which will also act as an indication of attendance. The programme is designed to guide individuals to construct a self-assessment of their current experiences in a supportive group environment, while also enabling members to develop the life skills necessary to deal with challenges common to symptoms of depression and anxiety, both in and out of class. As such, the programme is a group-guided self-help course, not a therapy group. The programme utilises PowerPoint slides, lecture notes/scripts, worksheets, and self-help workbooks specific to each class topic. The self-help workbooks are also designed to facilitate the practice of CBT skills predominantly out of the class context throughout the following week. Each class contains a mixture of didactic teaching, question and answers, as well as group- and pair-based activities. Weekly class topics are titled: 1) Why do I feel so bad?; 2) I can’t be bothered doing anything; 3) Why does everything always go wrong?; 4) I’m not good enough (low confidence); 5) How to fix almost everything; 6) The things you do that mess you up; 7) Are you strong enough to keep your temper?; 8) Ten things you can do to help you feel happier straight away. Both the class content and the materials provided use everyday language and avoid professional terminology so as to make the CBT information easily understandable and applicable. Each class involves 10-15 minuet tea and coffee time, 15 minutes for session psychometric measures, and 70 minutes of class activity time. The total time will be no longer than 105 minutes.