Efficacy and application

This collection contains examples of research evidence about the efficacy of narrative therapy and community work, and research about their application in various settings.

Feel free to suggest sources to add to this collection.

Efficacy and application – some recent publications

Denborough, D. (2026). Searching together: “Research resisters” and creating pathways for narrative practice research. The Qualitative Report, 31(7), 6214–6238. https://doi.org/10.46743/1052-0147.8545

Abstract

This paper conveys eleven research innovations that have recently emerged from the field of narrative therapy and community work. These include multi-storied surveys, testimonies and counter documents; insider researchers navigating pathologising literatures; creative ethical processes and accountabilities; re-imagining research interviews; conceptualising research as resonance; linking insider research and practice; collective narrative documents in research; exchanges of collective documents/letters as methodology; reading back: oral retellings; the development of Indigenist story-journey methodology; and forms of research that are accessible, resonant and useful to the most marginalised. These innovations are linked to histories and ethical commitments that are also described.

Link: https://doi.org/10.46743/1052-0147.8545

Nyirinkwaya, S., Jenney, A., Warria, A., Mukamana, A., Sezibera, V., & Sitter, K. (2026). “We saw and heard things no child should ever see and hear.” Rwandan youth narratives of enduring intimate partner violence between parents. Child Abuse and Neglect, 178, Article 108178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108178

Abstract:

Background

In Rwanda, childhood experiences of intimate partner violence (CEIPV) have rarely been documented through direct youth voices. Most available studies rely on adult informants or external indicators.

Objective

This study explored how Rwandan youth narrate and make meaning of their CEIPV and how these experiences affected their childhoods and later lives.

Participants and setting

Thirteen youth aged 22–25 years with histories of CEIPV participated in the study. All were living in Kigali or its outskirts at the time of recruitment.

Methods

Using a collective narrative methodology, the study drew on storytelling, peer witnessing, and co-generation of a collective narrative document. The data used in this paper came mainly from the Tree of Life narrative process. Stories were audio-recorded and transcribed in Kinyarwanda, translated into English, and analyzed using collective narrative analysis.

Results

Seven interwoven themes were identified: distorted growth: our growth was distorted like a tree cut when it is still small, witnessing harm: we saw things no child’s eyes should ever see, hearing violence: we heard things no young ears should ever hear, denied opportunities: we were denied opportunities, even when enough resources existed, dying inside: we endured the kind of death where a person stands tall but is dying inside, lingering effects: the residue of wounds, and commitment to healing: it is not the end. These narratives revealed not only the impact of CEIPV, but also the knowledge and power of the youth to tell their own story.

Conclusion

By centering youth narratives, this study offers a more grounded account of what CEIPV looked and felt like from the perspective of those who lived through it. The findings underscore the need for child protection, education, and mental health systems to recognize CEIPV more explicitly and to take youth’s own accounts seriously in research, policy, and intervention.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108178

Nyirinkwaya, S., Jenney, A., Sitter, K., Mukarusanga, B., Sezibera, V., & Warria, A. (2026). Turning hardship into wisdom: Rwandan youth responses to childhood experiences of intimate partner violence. Child Abuse and Neglect, 178, Article 108177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108177

Abstract:

Background

Childhood experiences of intimate partner violence (CEIPV) remain under-documented from the perspectives of children and youth in Rwanda, and East Africa in general. Most existing research often relies on adult proxies, overlooking the narrative agency and lived experiences of young people (YP).

Objective

This study explores how Rwandan youth with CEIPV, name, story and historicize their experiences and responses to harm. It examines how storytelling, memory work, and peer witnessing contribute to meaning-making, resistance, and healing.

Participants and setting

Thirteen Rwandan youth (ages 22–25) participated in a series of storytelling circles over three months. All had experienced CEIPV before age 18 and were recruited through youth peer-support organizations and professional networks.

Methods

A participatory and collective narrative approach grounded in Ubuntu ontology and extended epistemology was used. Data included participants’ firsthand stories, transcripts, reflections, and peer feedback. Collective narrative analysis was applied to co-create a collective narrative document.

Results

Nine themes were collectively developed: a lexicon of situational knowledges, sensory comfort, seeking safety amidst chaos, speaking out, learning from adversity, cultural and spiritual strength, envisioning a future free from violence, self-reliance, and the role of supportive others. Across these themes, youth demonstrated relational response-abilities, situational knowledges, and creative expression.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of youth-centered narrative approaches in understanding CEIPV beyond harm-focused frameworks. Youth storytelling offers critical insights into how children actively respond to violence and has implications for strengthening child protection, mental health, and psychosocial interventions.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108177

Jiang, D., Tang, V. F. Y., Kahlon, M., Chow, E. O., Yeung, D. Y., Aubrey, R., & Chou, K. L. (2025). Effects of wisdom-enhancement narrative-therapy and empathy-focused interventions on loneliness over 4 weeks among older adults: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 33(1), 18–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2024.07.003

Abstract:

Objective

In this three-armed RCT, we tested the effects of a telephone-delivered wisdom enhancement narrative therapy-based intervention (Tele-NT) and a telephone-delivered empathy-focused intervention (Tele-EP) in reducing loneliness against an active control group that received regular call (ACG) at the 4-week follow-up assessment.

Design, Setting, Intervention, and Participants

To evaluate the effects of the interventions on loneliness, we randomized 287 older adults based in Hong Kong, ages 65 to 90, into Tele-NT (N = 97), Tele-EP (N = 95), or ACG (N = 95).

Measurement

The primary outcome was loneliness, calculated using the De Jong Gierveld Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Secondary outcomes were sleep quality, depressive symptoms, social network engagement, and perceived social support. Assessments were done before training and 4 weeks after the intervention period.

Results

Results from linear mixed models showed significant positive effects of Tele-NT on loneliness measured by the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale compared to ACG. Compared to the ACG, the Tele-NT group significantly reduced loneliness at the 4-week follow-up (mean difference = −0.51, p = 0.019, Cohen’s d = 0.60). However, the difference between Tele-EP and the ACG at the 4-week follow-up was not significant (MD = −0.34, p = 0.179, Cohen’s d = 0.49). Tele-NT and Tele-EP did not show significant effects on the secondary outcomes, compared to the ACG.

Conclusions

In this randomized clinical trial, we found that a 4-week wisdom enhancement narrative therapy program significantly reduced feelings of loneliness. This effective telephone-based, lay-therapist-delivered program is scalable for broader implementation.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2024.07.003

Dane, A., Berkman, J., DeBortoli, E., Wallingford, C. K., Yanes, T., & McInerney-Leo, A. (2025). Narrative therapy and family therapy in genetic counseling: A scoping review. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 34, e1938. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1938

 

Abstract

Genetic counseling facilitates psychological and social adaptation in clients and families. Two psychotherapeutic approaches, narrative and family therapy foster client adaptation to adverse situations and may enhance the genetic counseling process. This scoping review aimed to describe the applications of narrative therapy and family therapy in genetic counseling, and to document the actual and perceived value of these approaches in a genetic counseling setting. Nine original research articles and six commentary articles met the study inclusion criteria. Original articles reported on positive client attitudes when these approaches were applied to hereditary cancer and Huntington disease settings. Five studies applied either approach in group sessions, where safety was key to positive outcomes, including sharing lived experiences and coping strategies. Balanced utilization of structured and open elements in group sessions maximized a sense of control, while also allowing for opportunity to self-disclose. Narrative therapy interventions were time efficient and were reported to foster connection with others and shape a new adaptive narrative centered around strengths. Family therapy approaches, based on experiential family therapy, the intersystem model, object relations family therapy, and the social ecology model, required a greater time commitment, but promoted disclosure of complex feelings and diffused tension. Family therapy genogram tools were feasible in practice, easy to implement, and effective at identifying communication barriers. Commentary articles highlighted the alignment of both approaches with genetic counseling goals and their potential value in practice. Utilization of psychotherapeutic approaches can improve counselors’ ability to shape sessions, enhance insight and optimize efficacy, and flexibility in moving between models can maximize impact. This review highlights the paucity of studies investigating the efficacy of these psychotherapeutic approaches in the genetic counseling context and the need for more outcomes-based research on the utilization of narrative or family therapy in genetic counseling practice.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1938

Ekinci, N., & Tokkaş, B. G. (2024). A systematic review of narrative therapy. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar – Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 16(1), 58–71. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1256695

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to review the experimental studies conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the narrative therapy approach. In order to investigate the effectiveness of Narrative Therapy, Turkish and English studies published between 2006-2022 (December) in the databases of DergiPark, YÖK Thesis Center, Web of Science, Sobiad, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library were searched. The keywords “narrative therapy” “collective narrative practice” “narrative therapy groups” were used in the search. As a result of the scanning, a total of 19 articles suitable for the purpose of the research were reviewed. These articles are presented in terms of research methods, study findings and therapy characteristics. The study findings show that narrative therapy is effective on dependent variables. The results show that narrative therapy has a preventive and remedial effect in group therapies with children, adolescents and adults.

Link: https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1256695 

Papadopoulos, S., Castro Romero, M., & Semlyen, J. (2024). Collective resistance
as a means to healing: A narrative participatory study with sexual minority
refugee and asylum-seeking people. Psychology and Sexuality, 15(3),
318–333. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2023.2268666

Abstract:

The number of people in exile is rising. Sexual and ethnic
minority refugee and asylum-seeking people present with special needs. This
study utilised a collective narrative participatory design to explore how
storying collective ways of resisting the effects of trauma, amongst gay and
lesbian forced migrant people of Black African and Asian backgrounds in an
urban context (London, UK) can be constitutive of healing. To do this,
purposeful sampling procedures were pursued. Data collection was through individual
and group format story telling sessions. Both sessions were structured around a
co-constructed metaphor ‘Passport of Life’. Narrative analysis was employed to
examine the data, co-shaped with participants. Findings indicate that
participants’ (collective) storytelling is crafted as a site for resistances to
emerge and be re-affirmed. Resistance pathways are inextricably linked to
participants’ diverse subjectivities. Healing is constituted as a dynamic
process, bound by narrated and physical configurations of spaces of
togetherness, which have re-definitional, hope-inducing, and social justice
properties. The results support the use of participatory and narrative means
for expanding (untold) stories of overcoming and supporting opportunities for
healing and redress amongst this population. Implications for policy making,
research, and psychological practice are considered.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2023.2268666

Banisafar, A., Ahi, Q., Mansouri, A., & Bahreynian, A. (2024). Investigating the effectiveness of narrative therapy on resilience and emotional regulation of cancer patients with low psychological toughness. Journal of Psychological Science, 23(133), 183-195. https://doi.org/10.52547/JPS.23.133.183

Abstract:

Background: Considering the importance of resilience and emotional regulation as effective psychological components in cancer, psychological interventions to improve these structures is a fundamental necessity. Aims: This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of narrative therapy on resilience and emotional regulation of people with cancer with low psychological toughness. Methods: The research design was semi-experimental and pre-test-post-test with an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population of the study included all cancer patients referred to Tehran hospitals in 2022. The sample consisted of 30 patients who were selected through purposive sampling and randomly replaced in two treatment groups and the control group. Connor and Davidson’s resilience scale and Garnefski and Kraaij emotional cognitive regulation were used. The data were analyzed through Mancova and SPSS-20 software. Results: The results showed that there is a significant difference between the narrative therapy group and the control group in the post-test stage of resilience and cognitive emotional regulation. Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, online narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used as an effective method to improve resilience and emotional regulation of cancer patients, and in this context, online narrative therapy can be more efficient.

Link: https://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2179-fa.html

Karibwende, F., Niyonsenga, J., Biracyaza, E., Nyirinkwaya, S., Hitayezu, I., Sebatukura, G. S., Ntete, J. M., & Mutabaruka, J. (2023). Efficacy of narrative therapy for orphan and abandoned children with anxiety and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders in Rwanda: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 78, 101802. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101802.

Abstract:

Background and objective

Although narrative therapy (NT) is globally practiced for alleviating psychological disorders, studies of its efficacy for vulnerable children are still scarce, especially in African post-conflict settings. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of NT for Rwandan orphans and abandoned children (OAC) with ADHD and anxiety disorders.

Method

This study was a parallel randomized controlled trial in which participants (n = 72) were recruited from SOS Children’s Villages. A half of participants (n = 36) were randomly allocated to either the NT group or the waitlist control group (WCG). Outcomes were collected at baseline before randomization and 10 weeks post-randomization.

Results

ANOVA results indicated a significant main effect of time for anxiety disorders (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.176), and the main effects of group were significant for anxiety disorders (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.254) and ADHD disorders (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.260). There was a significant time by group interaction effect for anxiety disorders (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.328) and for ADHD (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.193). Between group analyses showed that the difference in symptoms was significant for anxiety disorders (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.28) and for ADHD (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.6) during the posttest, and the effect sizes were large.

Limitation

The long-term effects of the intervention for the current sample were not assessed in this study.

Conclusion

Despite its limitations, this study provides initial support for the safety, efficacy, and usefulness of NT among Rwandan OAC with ADHD and anxiety disorders. Health professionals must implement the new intervention as an everyday tool.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101802

Papadopoulos, S., Castro Romero, M., & Semlyen, J. (2023). Collective resistance as a means to healing. A narrative participatory study with sexual minority refugee and asylum-seeking people. Psychology and Sexuality, 15(3), 318–333. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2023.2268666

Abstract:

The number of people in exile is rising. Sexual and ethnic minority refugee and asylum-seeking people present with special needs. This study utilised a collective narrative participatory design to explore how storying collective ways of resisting the effects of trauma, amongst gay and lesbian forced migrant people of Black African and Asian backgrounds in an urban context (London, UK) can be constitutive of healing. To do this, purposeful sampling procedures were pursued. Data collection was through individual and group format story telling sessions. Both sessions were structured around a co-constructed metaphor ‘Passport of Life’. Narrative analysis was employed to examine the data, co-shaped with participants. Findings indicate that participants’ (collective) storytelling is crafted as a site for resistances to emerge and be re-affirmed. Resistance pathways are inextricably linked to participants’ diverse subjectivities. Healing is constituted as a dynamic process, bound by narrated and physical configurations of spaces of togetherness, which have re-definitional, hope-inducing, and social justice properties. The results support the use of participatory and narrative means for expanding (untold) stories of overcoming and supporting opportunities for healing and redress amongst this population. Implications for policy making, research, and psychological practice are considered.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2023.2268666

Chan, T. M. S., Lau, C. Y. V., & Yu, H. W. C. (2023). Systematic review of narrative therapy publications in Hong Kong. Research on Social Work Practice, 33(8), 875–886. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315221125242

Abstract:

Purpose: This article reviews narrative therapy (NT) publications specific to Hong Kong over a period of 20 years.

Methods: Three search strategies are adopted: using the Hong Kong Baptist University OneSearch database and Google Books index, and sending soliciting emails to local scholars and practitioners. Four research questions are asked: (a) how many related publications? (b) who are the targets? (c) who are the authors? (d) what is the type of publication? 

Results: In total, there are 127 publications identified. The first NT publication is dated 1996. The most common target group is “People with Problem” (48.8%). Most authors are academics (78.7%). The publications are mostly Journal Articles (68.5%). 

Conclusions: Co-construction between academics and practitioners, co-researching as the landscape for co-constructing an NT community, and finally, the co-deconstruction process of local narratives are recommended as future tasks for Hong Kong related NT publications.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315221125242

Karibwende, F., Niyonsenga, J., Nyirinkwaya, S., Hitayezu, I., Sebuhoro, C., Simeon Sebatukura, G., Marie Ntete, J., & Mutabaruka, J. (2022). A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of narrative therapy on resilience of orphaned and abandoned children fostered in SOS children’s village. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2022.2152111 

Abstract:

Background: Narrative Therapy is an efficacious treatment approach widely practiced for various psychological conditions. However, few studies have examined its effectiveness on resilience, a robust determinant of one’s mental health, and there has been no randomized controlled trial in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of narrative therapy for the resilience of orphaned and abandoned children in Rwanda.

Method: This study was a ‘parallel randomized controlled trial’ in which participants (n = 72) were recruited from SOS Children’s Village. Half of the participants (n = 36) were randomly allocated to the intervention group and the rest to the delayed narrative therapy group. For the intervention group, children attended ten sessions (55 min each) over 2.5 months. Data were collected using the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM) and analyzed using mixed ANOVA within SPSS version 28.

Result: The results from ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of time and group for resilience total scores. Of interest, there was a significant time by group interaction effect for resilience. Pairwise comparison analyses within-group showed a significant increase in resilience in the intervention group, and the effect size was relatively large in this group.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the notable efficacy of narrative therapy for children’s resilience in the intervention group. Therefore, health professionals and organizations working with orphaned and abandoned children will apply narrative therapy to strengthen their resilience and improve mental health.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2022.2152111

Burgess. R. A., Jeske, N., Rasool, S., Ahmad, A., Kydd, A., & Ncube Mlilo, N. (2022). Exploring the impact of a complex intervention for women with depression in contexts of adversity: A pilot feasibility study of COURRAGE-plus in South Africa. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 68(4),873–880. https://doi.org/10.1177/00207640211010203

Abstract:

Background: Depression is a leading cause of disease burden worldwide but is often undertreated in low- and middle-income countries. Reasons behind the treatment gap vary, but many highlight a lack of interventions which speak to the socio-economic and structural realties that are associated to mental health problems in many settings, including South Africa. The COURRAGE-PLUS intervention responds to this gap, by combining a collective narrative therapy (9 weeks) intervention, with a social intervention promoting group-led practical action against structural determinants of poor mental health (4 weeks), for a total of 13 sessions. The overall aim is to promote mental health, while empowering communities to acknowledge, and respond in locally meaningful ways to social adversity linked to development of mental distress.

Aim: To pilot and evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention – COURRAGE-PLUS on symptoms of depression as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) among a sample of women facing contexts of adversity in Gauteng, South Africa.

Methods: PHQ-9 scores were assessed at baseline, post collective narrative therapy (midline), and post social intervention (endline). Median scores and corresponding interquartile ranges were computed for all time points. Differences in scores between time points were tested with a non-parametric Friedman test. The impact across symptom severities was compared descriptively to identify potential differences in impact across categories of symptom severity within our sample.

Results: Participants’ (n = 47) median depression score at baseline was 11 (IQR = 7) and reduced to 4 at midline (IQR = 7) to 0 at endline (IQR = 2.5). The Friedman test showed a statistically significant difference between depression scores across time points, (2) = 49.29, p < .001. Median depression scores were reduced to 0 or 1 Post-Intervention across all four severity groups.

Conclusions: COURRAGE-PLUS was highly effective at reducing symptoms of depression across the spectrum of severities in this sample of women facing adversity, in Gauteng, South Africa. Findings supports the need for larger trials to investigate collective narrative storytelling and social interventions as community-based interventions for populations experiencing adversity and mental distress.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/00207640211010203

Baldiwala, J., & Kanakia, T. (2022). Using narrative therapy with children experiencing developmental disabilities and their families in India: A qualitative study. Journal of Child Health Care, 26(2), 307–318. https://doi.org/10.1177/13674935211014

Abstract:

Narrative therapy is a respectful and culturally relevant form of psychotherapy. Internationally, there is an increasing use of narrative therapy with diverse populations; however, there is limited documentation within the Indian context. The intention of the study was to understand experiences of children and their families during their participation in narrative therapy at Ummeed Child Development Center in Mumbai, India. Twelve participants were recruited for individual interviews: four children, who received counseling at Ummeed Child Development Center for a minimum of 6 months, and eight family members. Thematic analysis of data revealed three themes: Working In Partnership reflected the value of therapy being a collaborative process; Practices That Open Up Possibilities highlighted skills of children and their families that became visible through counseling; and Taking Control And Advocacy revealed how families experienced a sense of control over their own lives and an interest in advocating for others with similar lived experiences. The study has brought to light how narrative therapy can make possible change in lives of children and their families and wider society. In an international context, these findings serve to document narrative therapy as a beneficial modality for mental health practitioners to use with children experiencing developmental disabilities and their families.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/13674935211014

Park, J. W., & Kim, H. S. (2021). The Effects of Group Counseling Utilizing Narrative Therapy on Self-esteem, Stress Response, and Insight for Individuals with Alcohol Dependency. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 18(2), 219–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2021.1972885

Abstract:

Alcoholism is a serious problem that is difficult to treat. This study investigated the effects of group counseling utilizing narrative therapy on self-esteem, stress response, and insight for alcoholism. We utilized a nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, Chi-squared test, independent and paired t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA. The experimental group showed significant improvements in self-esteem (F = 14.03, p < .001), stress response (F = 4.31, p <.05), and insight (F = 21.27, p < .001) after the intervention compared with the control group. Additionally, there were significant improvements in self-esteem (t = −6.32, p < .05), stress response (t = 4.93, p < .05), and insight (t = −5.02, p <. 05) within the experimental group after the intervention. Thus, narrative therapy is recommended as an autonomous regulation approach for developing strengths necessary to refrain from alcoholism.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2021.1972885

Esther Oi Wah Chow, E. O. W., Fung, S.-F. (2021). Narrative group intervention to rediscover life wisdom among Hong Kong Chinese older adults: A single-blind randomized waitlist-controlled trial. Innovation in Aging, 5(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab027

Abstract:

Background and Objectives We developed a new group practice using strength- and meaning-based Narrative Therapy (NT) for older Chinese living in Hong Kong (HK), to enhance their life wisdom. This paper reports on the intervention and its short- and longer-term effectiveness. Research Design and Methods A randomized waitlist-controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. A total of 157 older adults were randomly recruited, of whom 75 were randomly assigned to the intervention group which received four two-hour bi-weekly NT sessions using the ‘Tree of Life’ (ToL) metaphor. The others were placed on a waitlist. Perceived wisdom was assessed using the Brief Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (BSAWS). Assessment occurred at baseline (T0), end of treatment (T1), and four (T2) and eight months later (T3). Over-time effects of NT on wisdom scores were assessed using latent growth curve models with time-invariant covariates for impact. Results The intervention (NT) group showed significant, sustainable over-time within-group improvement in perceived wisdom. Moreover, compared with the control group, the NT group showed significant immediate improvements in perceived wisdom [F(2.726, p = 0.041)], which were maintained at all follow-up points. This effect remained after controlling for age, gender and educational level [TML(11) = 17.306, p = 0.098, RMSEA = 0.079, CFI = 0.960]. No adverse reaction was recorded. Discussion and Implications NT underpinned by a ToL methodology offers a new theory to understand, promote and appreciate perceived wisdom in older Chinese living in HK. It contributes to psychotherapy and professional social work practice for older Chinese.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab027 

Koganei, K., Asaoka, Y., Nishimatsu, Y., & Kito, S. (2021). Women’s psychological experiences in a narrative therapy-based group: An analysis of participants’ writings and Beck Depression Inventory–second edition. Japanese Psychological Research, 63, 466–475. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpr.12326

Abstract: 

The purpose of this study was to explore women’s experiences in a narrative therapy-based group conducted to help participants re-author their stories. Seven women who were either patients or individuals enrolled in Transition Support for Employment at a psychiatric clinic participated in the meetings, one every fortnight. Each session explored a theme based on narrative therapy techniques such as externalization. The participants wrote their reflections during each session, and completed the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) during the initial and final sessions. An affinity diagram was developed to classify their written reflections into 22 lower categories (e.g., new understanding of self, forward-looking-understanding of life) and 4 upper categories (“Insight,” “Sharing with others,” “Changes with understanding of lives,” “Higher motivation”). The relationship among five lower categories comprising “Insight” was explored, and it became apparent that clarification of participants’ own thoughts about social problems functioned as a mediator promoting the process. The largest portion of depressed feelings emerged during the initial session, and four participants had lower scores for BDI-II items such as self-criticism in the final session. The results suggest that the group’s purpose was realized. However, future studies should examine participants’ feelings more closely, especially during the initial session.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpr.12326

Zhou, D. H. R., Chiu, Y. L. M., Lo, T. L. W., Lo, W. F. A., Wong, S. S., Leung, C. H. T., … Luk, K. L. (2020). An unexpected visitor and a sword play: A randomized controlled trial of collective narrative therapy groups for primary carers of people with schizophrenia. Journal of Mental Health, 32(1), 351–362. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2020.1793123

Abstract:

Background: Most family carer support programs focus on supporting carers with caregiving-related knowledge and skills to help their family members who suffer from schizophrenia in their recovery process while carers’ inner resources and preferred identities are less emphasized in the existing studies.

Aims: The present study uses collective narrative therapy groups (CNTG) to promote the inner strengths and agency of family carers and help them to explore their preferred identities while caring for family members with schizophrenia.

Method: To ensure an evidence-based intervention, 89 Chinese family carers of people with schizophrenia took part in this three-wave longitudinal program evaluation study using a randomized controlled trial design.

Results: Compared with the control group, family carers in CNTG reported better family relationships, a lesser caregiving burden, and more perceived inner resources. Repeated one-way ANOVA revealed that CNTG improved family relationships, the caregiving burden, the level of hope and inner resources in the posttest, and a statistically significantly better mental health condition in the follow-up.

Conclusion: This study shows that collective narrative psychotherapy is effective in supporting family carers of people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. Based on the research findings, we discuss the strengths of the program and its implications for practitioners.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2020.1793123

Ghavibazou, E., Hosseinian, S. and Abdollahi, A. (2020), Effectiveness of narrative therapy on communication patterns for women experiencing low marital satisfaction. Australian and New Zealand Jounral of Family Therapy, 41, 195–207. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1405

Abstract:

The current study was designed as quasi-experimental with a pretest and post-test evaluating the efficacy of narrative therapy on communication patterns for women experiencing low marital satisfaction. Thirty women experiencing low marital satisfaction were chosen using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to an intervention and waiting list group. The intervention group was treated individually by narrative therapy in eight 45-minute sessions. Results from repeated measurement ANOVA revealed significant differences between and within the groups and interaction between and within groups. Independent and paired t-test results showed significant improvement in the intervention group in their marital satisfaction, male-demand/female-withdraw, and total demand/withdraw with maintenance at eight weeks follow-up. Results included increased marital satisfaction, reduced male-demand/female-withdraw, and reduced total demand/withdraw. Thus, results show that narrative therapy is effective in increasing the marital satisfaction indicators of male-demand/female-withdraw, total demand/withdraw, and marital satisfaction.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1405 

Khodayarifard, M., & Sohrabpour, G. (2018). Effectiveness of narrative therapy in groups on psychological well-being and distress of Iranian women with addicted husbands. Addiction and Health, 10(1), 1–10.

Abstract:

Background: This paper investigated the effectiveness of narrative therapy in groups on psychological well-being and distress among Iranian women with addicted husbands. Methods: The research was an experimental study with pretest-posttest control group design along with follow-ups of one month and three months. The statistical population consisted of all the women with addicted husbands who referred to welfare and social service houses of district 10 in Tehran, Iran. Participants were forty-four persons who had mental health score lower than the mean of statistical society. They were selected using the voluntary sampling method, and were also randomly assigned to two groups, experimental and control. After the early loss, each group included twenty persons and was evaluated by Mental Health Inventory (MHI-28). The experimental group received 10 sessions of the group counseling. Data were analyzed with repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. Findings: The results showed that psychological well-being of women who received the sessions of group counseling “narrative therapy” was improved significantly rather than those who did not received that (P < 0.001), and psychological distress of them was reduced significantly in comparison to the women who did not participated in the sessions (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Based on these findings, it seems that narrative therapy in groups is effective in the promotion of psychological well-being of women with addicted husbands, and also could be effective in reducing their psychological distress. Therefore, it can be concluded that narrative therapy group interventions improve mental health of women with addicted husbands.

Link: https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_84737.html

Chow, E. O. W. (2018). Narrative group intervention to reconstruct meaning of life among stroke survivors: A randomized clinical trial study. Neuropsychiatry, 8(4). 1216–1226. http://doi.org.10.4172/neuropsychiatry.1000450

Abstract:

Objectives: Stroke is the most significant cause of disability in older adults and has a dramatic psychosocial impact on stroke survivors. Narrative therapy (NT) views people as ‘the experts’ in their own lives, assuming people have many skills, abilities, beliefs, and values that will assist them in life. NT is used to externalize the dominant problem-saturated experiences and open diverse possibilities for reconstruction of identity in ways that are powerfully connected with their meaning and purpose of life.

Method: A double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used. A sample (N=192) of stroke survivors was randomly assigned to intervention (NT) or treatment as usual (TAU) psycho-education groups.

Results: Survivors in the NT group showed significant improvements in the various outcome measures: stroke knowledge, mastery, self-esteem, hope, meaning in life, and life satisfaction. Most improvements were sustained 4 months post intervention. The TAU group failed to show similar improvements across most measures. The NT participants experienced significantly decreased depression, and improved self-esteem, mastery, hope, meaning in life and life satisfaction scores, sustained 4 months post intervention. No adverse reaction was recorded in any of the cases mentioned at all study sites.

Conclusion: Results suggest that NT as a meaning-making intervention could be a viable option for stroke survivors to facilitate their recovery.

Link: http://doi.org.10.4172/neuropsychiatry.1000450

Beaudoin, M.-N., Moersch, M., & Evare, B. S. (2016). The effectiveness of narrative therapy with children’s social and emotional skill development: an empirical study of 813 problem-solving stories. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 35(3), 42-59. https://doi.org/10.1521/jsyt.2016.35.3.42

Abstract:

This article examines the effectiveness of narrative therapy in boosting 8- to 10-year-old children’s social and emotional skills in school. Data were collected from 353 children over two years, and two research assistants independently coded 813 stories. Children’s personal accounts of their attempts at solving conflicts in their daily lives were collected before and after a series of narrative conversations, and compared to stories collected during the same time interval with a control group. The control data included a set of stories from waitlisted participants and those from students assigned to only a control group. The results of the study show that children receiving narrative therapy intervention showed a significant improvement in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness/empathy, and responsible decision making when compared to their own first stories and the stories from children in the control group. Improvement in relationship skills was present in both cohorts but was significant only for the second year. There was no significant gender difference. Narrative therapy practices such as externalizing and re-authoring can significantly contribute to the development of children’s social and emotional skills. Implications of these results are discussed for all forms of therapeutic interventions, regardless of theoretical orientation.

Link: http://doi.org.10.4172/neuropsychiatry.1000450

Seo, M., Kang, H. S., Lee, Y. J., & Chae, S.M. (2015). Narrative therapy with emotional approach. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 22, 379–389. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12200

Abstract:

Narrative therapy, which allows a person to ‘re-author’ his/her life stories by focusing on positive interpretations, and emotion-focused therapy, which enables the person to realize his/her emotions, are useful approaches in the treatment of depression. Narrative therapy with an emotional approach (NTEA) aims to create new positive life narratives that focus on alternative stories instead of negative stories. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the NTEA programme on people with depression utilizing a quasi-experimental design. A total of 50 patients (experimental 24, control 26) participated in the study. The experimental group completed eight sessions of the NTEA programme. The effects of the programme were measured using a self-awareness scale, the Nowotny Hope Scale, the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. The two groups were homogeneous. There were significant differences in hope, positive and negative emotions, and depression between the experimental and control group. The results established that NTEA can be a useful nursing intervention strategy for people with depression by focusing on positive experiences and by helping depressed patients develop a positive identity through authoring affirmative life stories.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12200 

Erbes, C. R., Stillman, J. R., Wieling, E., Bera, W., & Leskela, J. (2014). A pilot examination of the use of narrative therapy with individuals diagnosed with PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27, 730–733. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21966

Abstract:

Narrative therapy is a postmodern, collaborative therapy approach based on the elaboration of personal narratives for lived experiences. Many aspects of narrative therapy suggest it may have great potential for helping people who are negatively affected by traumatic experiences, including those diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The potential notwithstanding, narrative therapy is relatively untested in any population, and has yet to receive empirical support for treatment among survivors of trauma. A pilot investigation of the use of narrative therapy with 14 veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD (11 treatment completers) is described. Participants completed structured diagnostic interviews and self-report assessments of symptoms prior to and following 11 to 12 sessions of narrative therapy. After treatment, 3 of 11 treatment completers no longer met criteria for PTSD and 7 of 11 had clinically significant decreases in PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. Pre- to posttreatment effect sizes on outcomes ranged from 0.57 to 0.88. These preliminary results, in conjunction with low rates of treatment dropout (21.4%) and a high level of reported satisfaction with the treatment, suggest that further study of narrative therapy is warranted as a potential alternative to existing treatments for PTSD.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21966

Looyeh, M. Y., Kamali, K., Ghasemi, A., & Tonawanik, P. (2014). Treating social phobia in children through group narrative therapy. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 41(1), 16–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2013.11.005

Abstract:

This study explored the effectiveness of group narrative therapy in treating the symptoms of social phobia among boys. Twenty-four boys, aged 10–11 with a confirmed diagnosis of social phobia were randomly assigned to receive treatment (N = 12) or placed on a waiting list (N = 12) considered as a control group. The treatment group received fourteen 90-min sessions of narrative therapy twice a week. Results showed significant differences in the symptom scores for the intervention and waiting list groups. Assessment by parents and teachers showed that the group narrative therapy had a significant effect on reducing symptoms of social phobia among participants in the treatment group both at home and school settings one week after completion of treatment and sustained after thirty days.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2013.11.005 

Lopes, R. T., Gonçalves, M. M., Machado, P. P. P., Sinai, D., Bento, T., & Salgado, J. (2014). Narrative therapy vs. cognitive-behavioral therapy for moderate depression: Empirical evidence from a controlled clinical trial. Psychotherapy Research, 24(6), 662–674. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2013.874052

Abstract:

Background: Systematic studies of the efficacy of Narrative Therapy (NT) for depression are sparse. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of individual NT for moderate depression in adults compared to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Method: Sixty-three depressed clients were assigned to either NT or CBT. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 (OQ-45.2) were used as outcome measures. Results: We found a significant symptomatic reduction in both treatments. Group differences favoring CBT were found on the BDI-II, but not on the OQ-45.2. Conclusions: Pre- to post-treatment effect sizes for completers in both groups were superior to benchmarked waiting-list control groups.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2013.874052

Lambie, I., Murray, C., Krynen, A., Price, M., & Johnston, E. (2013). The evaluation of undercover anti-bullying teams. New Zealand Ministry of Education Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga.

Abstract:

Bullying is a significant societal problem in schools, having serious implications for both victims and perpetrators. While there have been many interventions developed to try and combat bullying in schools, many of these interventions are not formally evaluated. The current study evaluated an anti-bullying intervention that adopts a restorative approach that uses peer-led Undercover Anti-bullying Teams (UABTs) to combat bullying in the classroom. To evaluate this approach, the current study implemented the use of a pretest/post-test experimental design in additional to qualitative interview data. The results suggest that following the intervention, there was a significant reduction in victimisation and a significant increase in students’ perceptions of personal support from other students in the class. Additionally, a number of themes emerged to suggest feelings of “inclusion” and “social support” were helpful to reduce distress for victims, and to help them feel more confident in the classroom. Additionally, the central elements of “autonomy” and “teamwork” that are inherent in the UABT intervention were helpful for team members in supporting the bullying victim and reducing bullying in the classroom.

Link: https://www.dulwichcentre.com.au/UABT-Final-Report.pdf