Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing in Rural Dwelling Samples

Alexandria University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Discrimination, Perceived

Treatments: Behavioral: Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06909734

2232025

Details and patient eligibility

About

Leprosy remains a profoundly stigmatized condition in many rural communities worldwide, fostering social exclusion, body image dissatisfaction, and diminished mental health outcomes. TTrauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing (TIMI) emerges as a promising paradigm to address these psychosocial challenges, enhancing resilience, improving self-perception, and fostering social re-engagement.

Full description

Introduction

Leprosy remains a profoundly stigmatised condition in many rural communities worldwide, fostering social exclusion, body image dissatisfaction, and diminished mental health outcomes. Traditional biomedical approaches, while essential for physical recovery, often neglect the psychological and social ramifications of the disease. Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing (TIMI) emerges as a promising paradigm to address these psychosocial challenges, enhancing resilience, improving self-perception, and fostering social re-engagement.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Leprosy

Leprosy-related stigma is multifaceted, rooted in cultural beliefs, misinformation, and visible physical impairments. Affected individuals frequently endure social rejection, which fosters feelings of shame, body image dissatisfaction, and emotional distress. These experiences, akin to trauma, may disrupt self-efficacy and hinder engagement with both healthcare systems and social networks.

Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing: Core Principles

TIMI integrates two evidence-based approaches: Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). TIC emphasises understanding and acknowledging the impact of trauma on individuals' behaviours and emotional well-being. MI, a client-centred approach, fosters intrinsic motivation for change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening personal autonomy.

The synergy of TIMI rests on five core principles:

Safety: Ensuring physical and emotional safety in all interactions.

Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building a collaborative, open relationship.

Peer Support and Empowerment: Encouraging individuals to harness personal and community strengths.

Collaboration and Mutuality: Shifting the power dynamic to promote shared decision-making.

Cultural, Historical, and Gender Awareness: Respecting cultural narratives and addressing systemic inequalities.

Addressing Key Psychosocial Challenges

Combatting Discrimination and Stigma: TIMI helps reframe self-perceptions, encouraging individuals to challenge internalised stigma and societal bias. By fostering empathy and understanding, community members may also engage in reducing discriminatory attitudes.

Improving Body Image and Self-Esteem: Acknowledging the emotional weight of physical changes, TIMI supports individuals in developing healthier self-concepts. Through guided dialogue, participants explore their strengths and redefine their value beyond appearance.

Building Resilience: TIMI fosters a growth mindset, promoting coping strategies that empower individuals to navigate adversity. This is crucial in rural settings where access to mental health services may be limited.

Enhancing Social Engagement: By empowering participants to explore their personal goals and values, TIMI helps identify pathways to meaningful social connections, promoting reintegration into community life.

Implementation in Rural Contexts

Adapting TIMI to rural environments necessitates a culturally sensitive approach. Training local healthcare providers, community leaders, and peer mentors in TIMI principles ensures sustainability. Additionally, integrating TIMI within existing community health frameworks, such as primary healthcare clinics or local support groups, facilitates accessibility.

Enrollment: 70 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals with a confirmed medical diagnosis of leprosy (current or past) experiencing physical, emotional, or social consequences.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe Cognitive or Psychiatric Impairments:

Individuals with severe mental health conditions (e.g., untreated psychosis, severe intellectual disabilities) that impede the reflective, goal-setting nature of Motivational Interviewing.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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70 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

interventional group

Experimental group

Description:

This investigation will draw upon existing literature exploring the intersection of TIMI in Leprosy-Related Discrimination, Body Image Dissatisfaction, Resilience, and Social Engagement in Rural Dwelling Samples. By understanding how Threat to Identity and Meaning in Illness (TIMI) influences the psychological and social impact of leprosy-related discrimination. It explores how body image dissatisfaction affects self-perception and mental health while assessing resilience as a coping mechanism. Additionally, it examines social engagement in rural settings, where stigma may lead to isolation. The findings can inform targeted mental health interventions and stigma-reduction strategies to support affected individuals.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing

control group

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

traditional standardized care such as Group Therapy/ peer support.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing