The development and proof-of-concept study of a psychoeducational intervention for adults living with coeliac disease

This thesis describes the development and initial proof-of-concept testing of a psychoeducational intervention designed to support people with CD to manage the psychosocial impacts of the condition. Chapter 2 presents a qualitative evidence synthesis of research on the psychosocial impacts of CD for adults. Chapter Three presents a small qualitative study (N=13) in which adults living with CD unanimously supported the idea that the proposed intervention would be useful and provide support. Results also found that adults often experienced both positive and negative psychosocial impacts following diagnosis. Chapter 4 described the development and preliminary validation of the LWWCD-27 measure, designed to assess adults’ psychosocial adaptation to CD. In Chapter Five, the development of a psychoeducational intervention, Living well with Coeliac Disease, is described. Chapter Six reports longitudinal quantitative results from a proof-of-concept study of the intervention. Significantly improved levels of anxiety, stress and psychosocial adaptation to CD found at the end of the intervention did not all sustain over time. Chapter Seven presents a qualitative analysis describing participants’ experience of the intervention. Overall, this thesis establishes proof-of-concept for Living well with Coeliac Disease. This work has implications for the management of CD in adults post-diagnosis.