Cognitive behaviour therapy for low self-esteem in a person with a learning disability: a case study

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities,Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 67-76, March 2018. Purpose Low self-esteem is common in people with learning disabilities. There is limited research examining the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focused on low self-esteem within this client group. The purpose of this paper is to add to the limited evidence by describing the use of CBT focused on low self-esteem for a person with a learning disability in the context of emotion regulation difficulties. Design/methodology/approach An individual case study design was used, with repeated quantitative measures to monitor progress during weekly individual psychology sessions. Findings There was a reduction in the client ’s feelings of anger and an increase in their self-esteem. Research limitations/implications Further studies and follow-up would determine longevity of benefits. The inclusion of distress tolerance techniques may have impacted on the findings and limits the conclusions that can be drawn about th e impact of CBT focused on low self-esteem. Originality/value This case study could make a small contribution to the evidence base for the effectiveness of CBT-based treatments for low self-esteem in people with learning disabilities, which is an under-researched area.

Source: Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities - March 28, 2018 Category: Disability Source Type: research