How is the Power Threat Meaning Framework being used by Clinical Psychologists in Clinical Practice?

Background: The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) was published in 2018 as an alternative to psychiatric diagnosis, a way of conceptualising psychological distress through a contextual framework.

Objective: This study seeks to explore how the PTMF is being used by Clinical Psychologists in clinical practice, what factors may be facilitating or hindering its use and what theoretical implications this may have for the profession.

Methods: A qualitative methodological approach was taken. The study involved individual semi-structured interviews with 10 UK Clinical Psychologists working clinically with the PTMF. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, from a critical realist epistemological position.

Results: Three superordinate themes were identified from the analysis, Supporting Conceptual Change, Clinical Usefulness of the Framework and Facilitating Institutional Change. Subordinate themes are expanded on within these.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the PTMF was felt to be conceptually and clinically useful to the practitioners making use of it. The PTMF was described by the participants as being applicable to numerous clinical activities, supporting the multifaceted nature of their roles and allowing for an integrative clinical approach as it was seen to both supplement and complement existing ways of working. Limitations to the PTMF, such as its potentially confusing terms and concepts, and challenges in applying it in clinical contexts are also highlighted. Implications and recommendations for widening the PTMF’s use clinically and for future research on the topic are discussed.