Authors (including presenting author) :
Tang L.H.(1), Choi Y.C.S.(1), Chan Y.H.(1), Cheng K.N.(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Kowloon Hospital
Introduction :
Complex trauma is a pivotal risk factor of psychopathology, including mood, anxiety, and personality problems. Survivors of childhood adversities often battle with emotion dysregulation, somatic issues, and interpersonal challenges secondary to the chronic activation of survival responses. The occupational engagement was therefore hindered in the long run. To tackle this underlying mechanism, the accumulating evidence sheds light on the phased intervention allowing the healing to begin. Sensory modulation is an occupational therapy program targeting the initial chapter viz. “Safety and Stabilization”.
Objectives :
This study aims to illustrate the benefits of sensory modulation in (1) cultivating body-mind awareness, (2) developing self-soothing repertoire, (3) regulating emotional states and (4) enhancing daily living functioning.
Methodology :
A single case study design was adopted to present a middle-aged Chinese woman with bipolar affective disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her childhood adversities include emotional abuse, abandonment and repeated episodes of sexual harassment. She considered that her occupational engagement (involving but not limited to household management, leisure engagement, and work performance) was hampered by “survival” coping (i.e. avoidance and compulsive behaviors). Several outcome measures, including the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness – Chinese version (MAIA-C), the Soothing Receptivity Scale (SRS-C), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 Items (DASS-21) were chosen to tap into the psychological facet of the intervention. Four individual sessions were rendered at Occupational Therapy (Psychiatry) Outpatient Unit. The works included providing psychoeducation, acquiring sensory-based grounding techniques, and exploring self-soothing strategies based on her sensory processing preferences.
Result & Outcome :
Score increments were noted on MAIA- C, including self-regulation (from 1.5 to 2.5), body listening (from 2.3 to 3.0) and trusting (from 1.3 to 3.0). Improvements were recorded on SRS-C involving self-soothing (from 14 to 20), and physical soothing (from 15 to 19). The severity level of depression (from moderate to mild) and anxiety components (from extremely severe to severe) was reduced. In addition, a subjective improvement in work performance was reflected.
This case study presented the application of sensory modulation in creating “Safety and Stabilization”. The tentative benefits highlighted in the present study indicate further investigation into sensory modulation for clients with childhood traumatic experiences.
