Abstract
M.Cur.
Group nursing therapy has been acknowledged to have an impact on women suffering from depression by Bellafoire (2005:1). However, there is no written evidence on the effectiveness of group therapy in Swaziland. It is for this reason that the researcher took the initiative of exploring how group therapy could assist women admitted at a psychiatric / mental hospital in Swaziland suffering from depression.
The objective of the study was to describe group nursing therapy as a resource to assist married women suffering from depression. Another objective was to describe guidelines that can be utilised by psychiatric nurse-practitioners when assisting married women suffering from depression to mobilise resources to promote their mental health.
The study was conducted through group therapy sessions. During group therapy sessions ethical measures were adhered to. Steps to ensure trustworthiness were also followed (Lincoln & Guba, 1985:290). Four aspects of trustworthiness, namely truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality were taken into consideration.
The paradigmatic perspective used in this study was guided by the theory for Health Promotion in Nursing (Rand Afrikaans University, 2002:2-8) which focuses on the whole person.
A functional reasoning approach based on Botes’ model (1998:8) was followed. The design of the study utilised is a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual design (Mouton & Marais, 1990:43-44). Eight sessions of group therapy were conducted with women suffering from depression, admitted at the mental hospital. Field notes were also taken during each session. Data collected was analysed through the descriptive method suggested by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:155). The services of an independent coder were employed. The results were tabulated according to major themes, categories and subcategories.
The first major theme identified was hope among women suffering from depression related to group therapy intervention. The category that was deduced from the theme was increased self-awareness which was evidenced by the subcategory of self-disclosure, introspection, and a reduction of suicidal tendencies.
The second category was that of personal growth related to the subcategories of openness, problem sharing and giving feedback.
The third category was that of peace of mind related to the subcategories of improved sleep, feelings of relief because of therapy and reduction of sadness.
The fourth category was that of positive independent thinking related to positive decision making about self and planning for their own future by the women.
The fifth category was that of spiritual enhancement related to group therapy intervention. The subcategory identified was that of recognition of God’s power and the value of confessions.
The sixth category that was deduced was that of increased social interaction related to the subcategory of development of social skills and redefinition of the self.
The second theme that was deduced was that of recommendations on group therapy as a resource for women suffering from depression. The subcategories were that therapeutic groups be established and conducted in families, hospitals and communities. Guidelines were described from the findings for psychiatric nurses to use when assisting married women suffering from depression to mobilise resources and promote their mental health. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made in relation to nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.