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    Group treatment of anxiety-related insomnia using cognitive-behavioural therapy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2013) de Lacerda Mottin, Fernanda
    Insomnia affects 25% of the New Zealand population and up to 33% of the population worldwide. Untreated it incurs high economical costs to society and takes its toll on the people’s mental health, physical health, and quality of life. Psychological treatments for insomnia have developed over the decades to reflect the scientific literature’s knowledge about the causal and maintaining factors of insomnia (i.e., maladaptive behaviours and cognitions about sleep and the consequences of insomnia and physiological and cognitive arousal). The critical review found that although physiological and cognitive arousal play a significant role in the development and maintenance of insomnia and there is some evidence that anxiety disorders predict the development of insomnia, few published treatment programmes targeted all causal and maintaining factors as described in the literature. The current main clinical study investigated the effectiveness of a group therapy programme that targeted all the main factors described in the literature. Twenty-eight participants suffering chronic insomnia and at least subclinical anxiety or stress were randomly assigned to one of two treatment interventions, administered through five treatment groups. Each group had 5-6 participants. Two groups received the insomnia first intervention (n = 11) and three groups received the anxiety first intervention (n = 17). Within- and between-subjects analyses were performed. Follow-up assessment took place about three months after the end of each treatment group. The main study found that targeting anxiety (i.e., physiological and cognitive arousal) directly improved participants’ insomnia, t(1708) = 3.574, p <.001, d = .86. At three months post-treatment, both treatment conditions had large effect sizes on measures of insomnia severity (insomnia first d = 3.35; anxiety first d = 1.17) and sleep efficiency (insomnia first d = 1.09; anxiety first d = 1.17). However, in examining the outcome trajectories, the anxiety first intervention produced more consistent improvement across the course of the therapy sessions, which might be more desirable for both clients and clinicians. This study provided evidence that a cost-effective group intervention is beneficial for symptoms of insomnia and anxiety, and it also significantly improves participants’ quality of life. While some findings need replication (e.g., order of interventions), this study showed not only that insomnia can and should be treated, but also that its assessment and treatment must address anxiety as well as sleep. Given the high occurrence and co-morbidity of insomnia, and its detrimental effects for the individual and the society, psychological interventions for insomnia should be more readily available in New Zealand.
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    Establishing an understanding of group dynamics and process within single-session music therapy groups open to both adolescents with mental illness and mental health staff : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Upjohn Beatson, Erin Beth
    The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of group dynamics and process within single-session music therapy groups open to both adolescents and mental health staff. The study investigated factors that influenced group dynamics; how existing understandings of group process were evidenced within the sessions and how the groups could best be facilitated. A qualitative, exploratory method was used. Secondary analysis of clinical data from seven group music therapy sessions was carried out. A process of thematic analysis was applied to the narrative data and recordings of group improvisations were analysed using an adapted version of the Music Therapy Group Improvisation Analysis Model (MTGI-AM). It was found that developmental group process was evident within single sessions of music therapy. For example, a process of moving from disconnection, to establishing common ground, developing musical cohesion, then taking risks and negotiating closure, was audible within group improvisations. Group dynamics were affected by the physical environment and wider institutional contexts; by the leadership styles and structures implemented; the contributions of group members; the quality of existing and emerging connections between individuals; and aspects of the individuals themselves. The structure of music provided stability, mediated energy levels and presented opportunities for individuals to develop leadership and autonomy. Groups became more autonomous and took more risks as musical and interpersonal cohesion was established.