Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41199368›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2025

Evaluation of dialectical behavior therapy - skills training for emotional problem solving for adolescents (DBT STEPS-A) in Aotearoa New Zealand: Protocol of a mixed-methods evaluation.

Liesje Donkin, Priya Thakral, Shelly Hindle, Amy Kercher

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC psychology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Liesje DonkinDepartment of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Liesje.donkin@aut.ac.nz.
Priya ThakralDepartment of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
Shelly HindleIndependent researcher, Auckland, New Zealand.
Amy KercherDepartment of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDialectical Behavior Therapy - Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents (DBT STEPS-A) is a 30-week program adapted from the comprehensive DBT protocol for adolescents, to be delivered in schools, by school staff. This novel approach takes a preventative position wherein adolescents (aged 11-18) are taught social and emotional skills from DBT to equip them to navigate challenging situations with the premise that this may prevent the development of more severe psychological difficulties. Few studies exist evaluating the "real world delivery" of STEPS-A, and less so outside the United States of America. This protocol outlines the planned evaluation of the effectiveness of the STEPS-A program, as delivered by Marinoto Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Health New Zealand|Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā) in Aotearoa New Zealand.

methodThis research will use a mixed-methods approach. Specifically, the evaluation of the program will be based on: (i) completed psychometrics pre- and post- program completion, (ii) perceived acceptability as expressed by participants, their families and the schools running the STEPS-A program during semi-structured interviews and focus groups, and (iii) the feasibility of the STEPS-A program in terms of the ability of participating schools to deliver it in an ongoing manner and (iv) any adaptations required to run the program in New Zealand in a culturally responsive manner. The proposed protocol has been peer reviewed by two independent academics and approved by a national health and disability ethics committee. A power analysis has also indicated that the estimated number of program participants will likely yield a sample that will be adequately powered for data analysis. DISCUSSION: This research will evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of the STEPS-A program. Findings will highlight the challenges of implementation in a public health system and the suitability for use with an indigenous population.

Indexed as

Adolescent BehaviorDialectical Behavior TherapyEmotionsProblem SolvingAdolescentChildFemaleHumansMaleNew ZealandProgram EvaluationAdolescentsDBTDBT in schoolsDialectical behavior therapyPilotPreventionProtocolSelf-harmSkills trainingSTEPS-A

Identifiers

PMID41199368
PMCPMC12590620

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