Acute inpatient mental health populations display high levels of distress, characterised by ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), emotion regulation difficulties, impulsivity and self-harm. Self-soothing, a skill underpinned by Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is the ability to self-regulate. Self-soothe boxes, containing personalised items to promote self-soothing such as distress management techniques, tangible objects and meaningful items, are effective in reducing distress. To date, research on the use of self-soothe boxes has produced promising results. However, this focuses mostly on CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and outpatient populations. The current paper outlines a service evaluation guided by the work of Fenton et al. (2023) that aimed to explore the effectiveness of personalised self-soothe boxes in reducing distress across two acute adult inpatient mental health wards. Seven participants developed a personalised self-soothe box, consisting of distraction techniques, sensory items, seeking positives, relaxation and mindfulness activities and coping skills handouts. Participants were encouraged to use this during instances of distress and complete a corresponding questionnaire to reflect on their experiences. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that all participants reported a reduction in distress after use and rated sensory items most favourably as a current and future self-soothing strategy. Qualitative data was analysed using Thematic Analysis, with the themes indicating that self-soothing promotes cognitive restructuring and induces a positive change in emotional state. The results of this service evaluation produce evidence and guidance for using personalised self-soothe boxes as a proactive strategy to reduce distress in acute adult inpatient mental health settings, to promote Positive Behavioural Support and reduce restrictive practices.

Keywords: Self-soothing; Self-soothe boxes; Distress management; Coping; Inpatient mental health; Emotional regulation.

Vol 5, Issue 2, October 2024