Re-Assessment and Extension: An Ongoing Evaluation of The System for Adult Growth and Emergence-Foundations,a Modified DBT Program to Aid Emerging Adults With Emotion Regulation and Transition

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is associated with change and distress. The System for Adult Growth and Emergence – Foundations (SAGE-F) treatment program, a six-week outpatient DBT intensive, was developed to improve emotional functioning for such individuals. Utilizing a single-group design, the current study aims to re-examine (n = 48) and expand (n = 83) initial therapeutic findings of SAGE-F. Participants were administered an assessment battery at pre-treatment, upon immediate completion of SAGE-F, six-weeks after baseline, and at three months following program completion. Results were comparable to the pilot study: the completion of SAGE-F, when compared to baseline, is associated with reductions in mood dysregulation and self-harm, and improvements in functioning capacities, with gains sustained for at least three months. Further, program completion was associated with improved DBT skill use, with individuals demonstrating more insight of skill dysfunction rather than skill growth. Results continue to support that SAGE-F provides both immediate and long-term benefits.

Keywords

emerging adults DBT intensive outpatient dysregulation skills self-injury

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