ArticlePilot and feasibility studies2026
Cognitive analytic therapy for self-harm with young people: protocol for the RELATE-YP feasibility randomized controlled trial.
Article in Pilot and feasibility studies, 2026. 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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9 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundSelf-harm is a major health concern amongst young people that is increasing in prevalence. Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is a relational, integrative psychotherapy that is theoretically consistent with our growing understanding of self-harm. The aim of this study was to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of evaluating brief CAT in young people aged 13-17 who self-harm using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design.
methodSixty young people with experiences of self-harm will be recruited from child and adolescent mental health services. Participants will be randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to brief CAT plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. Assessors will be blind to treatment allocation. Assessments will occur at baseline, 8, 16, and 20 weeks after randomisation. A qualitative process evaluation will investigate experiences of the therapy and trial procedures. The primary outcome for this study is feasibility, judged against a priori progression criteria relating to recruitment, retention, adherence to therapy, and missing data. DISCUSSION: Brief CAT may help young people struggling with self-harm, but research is needed. In order to undertake a definitive RCT, it is first necessary to resolve a number of feasibility uncertainties. The planned feasibility trial will help inform a larger definitive trial focused on the efficacy of brief CAT for young people who self-harm.
trial registrationThe trial was pre-registered (01/08/25) on ISR CTN (ISRCTN code: ISRCTN11505839).
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