Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training as a Standalone Therapy: a Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract

Background: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training (DBT-ST) is one of the four core elements of standard DBT. Studies show that standalone DBT-ST appears to be a promising treatment in patients with emotion dysregulation by teaching them skills needed to change patterns associated with problems in living. It is not clear who benefits from this treatment and which components are most beneficial. Relevant studies will be easily navigated once mapped and summarized in this proposed scoping review.Methods:The proposed scoping review will be conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. Medical literature databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane will be searched. Papers retrieved will be screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers and data will be extracted and reported in a summary table with supporting narrative. We aim to include all English academic papers addressing standalone DBT-ST including studies utilizing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Discussion:The objective of this scoping review is to explore the literature, map, and summarize evidence pertaining to DBT-ST to help guide future research and treatment.