Assessment of peer-conceptualised, written and led single-session group interventions for carers supporting a person with borderline personality disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective No research to date has investigated the utility of a single session peer-informed and peer-led intervention for carers of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Two single session format group interventions – a 2.5-hour information session and an all-day (7-hour) workshop – were conceptualised, written, and facilitated by a carer peer with the assistance of a clinician experienced in supporting people with BPD. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. Method Participants completed the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS), Kessler-10 (K10) and the BPD attitude and knowledge survey (e-KALM) before and after the intervention as well as a set of questions seeking participants’ thoughts about the usefulness of the content of the intervention and their overall satisfaction. Results 225 carers who attended the 7-hour workshop and 100 carers who completed the 2.5-hour information session completed the pre-intervention survey. The carer participants’ e-KALM scores improved significantly following interventions. Following the 7-hour workshop, K10 (p < 0.05) and BAS (p < 0.001) scores had a statistically significant improvement. Participants from both interventions reported that they appreciated the opportunity to be heard and supported and were very satisfied overall with the format and content. Discussion Both single session carer intervention formats resulted in meaningful improvements in participants’ knowledge about and attitudes towards BPD. The full-day workshop also reduced the perceived burden associated with care-giving; highlighting the community need for longer-term carer support.