Lydia Morris

The Take Control Course: Conceptual Rationale for the Development of a Transdiagnostic Group for Common Mental Health Problems

Background: Increasingly, research supports the utility of a transdiagnostic understanding of psychopathology. However, there is no consensus regarding the theoretical approach that best explains this. Transdiagnostic interventions can offer service delivery advantages; this is explored in the current review, focusing on group modalities and primary care settings. Objective: This review seeks to explore whether a Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) explanation of psychopathology across disorders is a valid one. Further, this review illustrates the process of developing a novel transdiagnostic intervention (Take Control Course; TCC) from a PCT theory of functioning. Method: Narrative review. Results and Conclusions: Considerable evidence supports key tenets of PCT. Further, PCT offers a novel perspective regarding the mechanisms by which a number of familiar techniques, such as exposure and awareness, are effective. However, additional research is required to directly test the relative contribution of some PCT mechanisms predicted to underlie psychopathology. Directions for future research are considered.

Dementia: towards a perceptual control theory perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychosocial experiences of people living with dementia using a perceptual control theory (PCT) perspective. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual paper. Findings The paper suggests that people with dementia may control their perceptions by using four modes of control: control, automatic, passive observation and imagination. Research limitations/implications The paper highlights how a perceived sense of “too little” or “too much” control can create psychological and emotional distress, as people with dementia seek to respond to the changing contextual circumstances of their lives. However, more work needs to be done to develop specific PCT informed strategies that may serve the goal of helping people who are living with dementia to maximise their functioning and alleviate their distress. Originality/value The potential benefits of adopting a PCT perspective to understand the experiences of people living with dementia have only been explored in a relatively superficial way. This paper is a first attempt to develop a more considered analysis.