Presentation Information
[P-26-04]Sociocultural Adaptation of a DBT-Informed Skills Group for Indonesian MSM: Application of the Deconstruction–Reconstruction Matrix
*Darien Alfa Cipta1,2, Shian Ling Keng4, Mark A Stoove3, Claudia Stoicescu1 (1.School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, MNHS Faculty, Monash University Indonesia(Indonesia), 2.Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan(Indonesia), 3.Burnet Institute(Australia), 4.School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical and Life Science, Sunway University, Malaysia(Malaysia))
Keywords:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT),Emotion dysregulation,Men who have sex with men (MSM),Cultural adaptation,Psychotherapy implementation
Background:
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Indonesia face intersecting syndemic risks—stigma, depression, and HIV vulnerability—often mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), with its core skills in mindfulness and emotion regulation, offers a promising, transdiagnostic approach. However, standard DBT protocols require cultural adaptation to be acceptable and effective in high-stigma, resource-limited Southeast Asian contexts.
Objective:
This PhD project aims to develop a culturally responsive DBT-informed skills group targeting emotion dysregulation among Indonesian MSM—a key psychological mechanism underlying both mental health symptoms and HIV-related risk behaviours. This paper presents the initial adaptation phase using the Deconstruction–Reconstruction Matrix, a pragmatic and theory-preserving adaptation framework developed by the Social Work Department at Columbia University.
Method:
We systematically deconstructed DBT skills to map core mechanisms (e.g., self-efficacy, mindfulness, interpersonal functioning), then reconstructed session content through community consultations with MSM stakeholders and mental health professionals. Adaptations preserved theoretical integrity while modifying delivery formats, cultural metaphors, and session safety protocols. Sample adaptations of mindfulness and emotion regulation modules are illustrated.
Results:
Developed a culturally adapted prototype DBT skills intervention, integrating culturally meaningful metaphors, session safety protocols, and feasible delivery formats based on community input.
Discussion:
This adapted intervention lays groundwork for feasibility trials, contributing to culturally sensitive mental health interventions for marginalized communities in Indonesia and similar contexts.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Indonesia face intersecting syndemic risks—stigma, depression, and HIV vulnerability—often mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), with its core skills in mindfulness and emotion regulation, offers a promising, transdiagnostic approach. However, standard DBT protocols require cultural adaptation to be acceptable and effective in high-stigma, resource-limited Southeast Asian contexts.
Objective:
This PhD project aims to develop a culturally responsive DBT-informed skills group targeting emotion dysregulation among Indonesian MSM—a key psychological mechanism underlying both mental health symptoms and HIV-related risk behaviours. This paper presents the initial adaptation phase using the Deconstruction–Reconstruction Matrix, a pragmatic and theory-preserving adaptation framework developed by the Social Work Department at Columbia University.
Method:
We systematically deconstructed DBT skills to map core mechanisms (e.g., self-efficacy, mindfulness, interpersonal functioning), then reconstructed session content through community consultations with MSM stakeholders and mental health professionals. Adaptations preserved theoretical integrity while modifying delivery formats, cultural metaphors, and session safety protocols. Sample adaptations of mindfulness and emotion regulation modules are illustrated.
Results:
Developed a culturally adapted prototype DBT skills intervention, integrating culturally meaningful metaphors, session safety protocols, and feasible delivery formats based on community input.
Discussion:
This adapted intervention lays groundwork for feasibility trials, contributing to culturally sensitive mental health interventions for marginalized communities in Indonesia and similar contexts.