Abstract

The primary objective of the pilot study was to investigate whether participating in the DBT skills program and learning the core DBT-A skills of mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness would produce a significant decrease in the maladaptive , risky behaviors and impulsivity and significant increase in emotional regulation and coping with stresses. These primary outcomes were assessed by comparing the participants scores pre and post therapy intervention (baseline and after completing the DBT program). The secondary objective of this study was to explore the challenges, acceptability, facilitators and barriers that faced the participants and the therapists during the application of this program intervention through qualitative interviews and weekly meetings with the participants and the therapists.