Browsing by Person "Karatzias, T."

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A randomized trial of face-to-face counselling versus telephone counselling versus bibliotherapy for occupational stress.
(British Psychological Society, 2009) Kilfedder, Catherine; Power, K. G.; Karatzias, T.; Chouliara, Zoë; McCafferty, Aileen; Niven, Karen; Galloway, Lisa; Sharp, Stephen
Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of three interventions for occupational stress. Methods/design A total of 90 National Health Service employees were randomized to face-to-face counselling or telephone counselling or bibliotherapy. Outcomes were assessed at post-intervention and 4-month follow-up. Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were used to evaluate intervention outcomes. An intention-to-treat analyses was performed. Results Repeated measures analysis revealed significant time effects on all measures with the exception of CORE Risk. No significant group effects were detected on all outcome measures. No time by group significant interaction effects were detected on any of the outcome measures with the exception of CORE Functioning and GHQ total. With regard to acceptability of interventions, participants expressed a preference for face-to-face counselling over the other two modalities. Conclusions Overall, it was concluded that the three intervention groups are equally effective. Given that bibliotherapy is the least costly of the three, results from the present study might be considered in relation to a stepped care approach to occupational stress management with bibliotherapy as the first line of intervention, followed by telephone and face-to-face counselling as required.
Cognitive appraisals and physical health in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
(2009-04) Karatzias, T.; Chouliara, Zoë
Previous literature suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD) is associated with poor physical health. To date a number of existing hypotheses have been developed to explain this association focusing predominantly on the interplay between cognitive and emotional appraisals. We have attempted to synthesise existing literature on the role of cognitive and emotional appraisals in explaining ill health (i.e. medically explained symptoms), following PTSD. On the basis of this review, we are introducing a conceptualisation aiming to explain poor physical health following PTSD. This new conceptualisation proposes that PTSD symptoms will lead to the production of two types of cognitive appraisals: Appraisals about the body that occurred during traumatisation, and cognitive appraisals about PTSD symptoms themselves. Both these cognitive appraisals coupled with negative emotional responses will lead to physiological arousal and negative health behaviours and subsequently to poor health. Although this conceptualisation has certain clinical implications for the management of physical health following PTSD, further research is required to test such by investigating the association between its elements. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
General psychopathology in anorexia nervosa: The role of psychosocial factors
(2010-11) Karatzias, T.; Chouliara, Zoë; Power, K.; Collin, P.; Yellowlees, A.; Grierson, D.
The aim of the present study was to investigate psychosocial correlates of comorbid psychopathology. Data were collected from a total of 90 female inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Higher levels of general psychopathology were detected in depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist (SCL)-90. Regression analysis also revealed that higher levels of psychopathology across SCL-90 subscales in AN patients are significantly associated with an earlier age of onset of the condition, higher levels of anorectic psychopathology as measured by Eating Disorders Examination, lower self-esteem as measured by Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory and social support levels as measured by Quality of Social Network and Social Support Questionnaire. Considering the high levels of general psychopathology in people with AN, routine clinical practice should aim for a comprehensive assessment of such. Given the strong association between psychosocial factors such as self-esteem, social support and general psychopathology, psychological therapies could play an important role in facilitating emotional recovery. 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vicarious traumatisation in practitioners who work with adult survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse: Literature review and directions for future research
(2009-03) Chouliara, Zoe; Hutchison, C.; Karatzias, T.
Primary objective: The authors sought to summarise and evaluate evidence regarding vicarious traumatisation (VT) in practitioners working with adult survivors of sexual violence and/or child sexual abuse (CSA). Methods and selection criteria: Relevant publications were identified from systematic literature searches of PubMed and PsycINFO. Studies were selected for inclusion if they examined vicarious traumatisation resulting from sexual violence and/or CSA work and were published in English between January 1990 and June 2008. Critical analysis and results: Ten studies met the criteria of the present review. In summary, VT levels in the field of sexual violence/CSA are high with negative effects, but do not appear to exceed those reported by professionals working with non-sexual violence or with sexual offenders. Further investigation is needed into predisposing and mediating factors before clear conclusions can be drawn. Conclusions: Previous research has suffered a number of methodological limitations regarding definitions, sampling, comparison groups, support arrangements and measurement. These factors compromise not only the rigour and generalisability of findings but also our ability to define VT as a useful concept. These limitations are discussed and recommendations made for a future research agenda.