Abstract This study examines online and face-to-face supportgroups to determine which factors best predict participant's satisfaction with the group experience. The paper examines how differences between face-to-face and online groups may be accounted for by differences in severity of disorders among clients. The writer proposes that this research is important, as online supportgroups expand their role in the provision of eating disorder support. The paper concludes that, in order to ensure that individuals with eating disorders have access to the best treatment available, it is advantageous to the mental health profession to determine who can benefit most from low-cost treatment resources.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement Of The Problem
Definition Of Terms
Literature Review
Dsm-Iv Diagnostic Criteria For Anorexia Nervosa
Dsm_Iv Diagnostic Criteria For Bulimia Nervosa
Dsm-Iv Research Criteria For Binge Eating Disorder
Bodywhy's Eating Disorder SupportGroup Services: An Overview
Factors Contributing To The Effectiveness Of Eating Disorder Groups: Review Of Current Research
Methodology
Design
Sample
Results
Data Analysis
Chapter 5
Discussion
Summary Of Findings And Implications For Future Research
Group Participant Variables
Group Variables
Limitations Of Study
Implications Of Research
Conclusion
Appendices
Informed Consent Letters For Group Participants
Appendix B
Demographic Information, Group Participation History And Eating Disorder History.
Client Satisfaction Inventory
Eating Attitudes Test
Catharsis Scale
References
From the Paper "Bodywhys, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland's face to face and online support groups, which are facilitated by trained volunteers, aims to provide eating disorder suffers and their families with an economically and geographically accessible environment for discussing feelings and common concerns, the expression of which Meehan, Wikes, and Howard (1995) identified as one of the foundations of recovery from eating disorders. Despite the longevity of this and other eating disorder support group programs, however, systematic research with such groups has been scant."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the format and perceived effectiveness of a self-help group using Irvin Yalom's eleven curative factors of group therapy model. The analysis of the group is based on this model and the incorporation of knowledge gathered from literature on breast cancer education and the integration of education into the supportgroup by the moderator, guest speaker, and group participants. The writer concludes that it will be intriguing to see if this was a building session that will contribute to the discussion next session, therefore broadening the scope of the discussion through information and education. As it stands, the writer maintains that the analysis of the group based on this one session indicates a failure to achieve its stated goals.
Outline:
Introduction
Yalom's Eleven Curative Factors of Group Therapy
Assessment of the Breast Cancer SupportGroup Conclusion
From the Paper "The current group did not successfully integrate any or all of the curative factors necessary for facilitating appropriate therapeutic process. The tone of the session did not evoke community or unity towards mutual therapy, but instead resembled a conventional question-and-answer session in a classroom setting. The moderator had asked a speaker from the local county's mental health service department to address the group on depression and illness. The effectiveness of this session shall be assessed through reviewing the meeting using Yalom's eleven curative factors."
Abstract Examines whether supportgroup treatment for children sexually abused by family members is the appropriate treatment of incest. Discusses characteristics of supportgroups & the group process. Outcomes. Symptoms and needs of the incest survivor. Types of supportgroup treatment. Refers to many studies on the topic. Conclusions.
From the Paper "Sexual abuse of children by family members continues to come to the attention of mental health professionals as does the exploration for the most appropriate treatment of incest. This paper investigates the question as to whether support groups may offer the most effective modality for treatment of incest victims. An introduction to the problem, characteristics of support group treatment of incest victims, the group process, outcomes of support group treatment of incest victims, and conclusions will be included in this presentation."
Abstract This paper presents a case study of two families who are linked by their children's medical needs. The writer explores the family dynamics, their children and the link between them. The paper relates that supportgroups are beneficial for the adults, the non-affected children and the affected child. The author concludes that, although the two families have almost nothing in common other than their shared supportgroup, this attendance has proven to reduce family stress and to allow the families to have quality family time together.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Family 1
Family Two
Conclusion
From the Paper "The importance of a support group for families with psychologically affected children was the focus of this case study. It used two families that had little in common other than the fact that they each had a child who is impacted by a psychological issue. The families were chosen specifically because of their differences. One family has a father with an advanced education who travels the nation on business for a powerful computer company while the other family has a father who completed high school, and went into the plumbing field. The first family has a wife who is a registered nurse and works in a children's practice while the second family has a wife who chooses to stay home full time."
Tags: autism, attention deficit disorder, non affected, parents, safe haven
Abstract The paper explains the goings-on in the meetings of two supportgroups - Alcoholics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous. The author of the paper attended both meetings and provides a discussion on the procedures of each one. He also compares the similarities and differences between the groups and discusses the people who attend these meetings.
From the Paper "Again, personal vignette is the focal point of the meeting. Several people share their stories of compulsive overeating and in some cases members share with the group that they are bulimic. I suddenly become hyper-conscious that there are no cookies served here as there were in the AA meeting. My stomach growls and I hope nobody heard; eating is no longer a simple task to do without thinking. These people have turned to food as a way of coping with life's problems; it is their drug of choice. As with the AA members, compulsive overeaters find immense solace in listening to the stories of others and sharing their own. In finding that they are not alone, the members can unburden themselves, release their shame. I come to the conclusion that these self-help groups, fuelled by the caring and concern of perfect strangers, are probably more helpful than psychotherapy."
Abstract This paper identifies the requirements necessary within starting a psychotherapy group for parents of children and adolescents who have come out to their parents as differently-sexualized (e.g.: homosexual, bisexual, or transgendered). The stages of group work are described, as well as several potential problems that can occur during the group work process.
From the Paper "Parents frequently experience difficulty in acclimating themselves to the preferences of their children and adolescents. Often, the drive for an offspring to differentiate himself or herself from their parents can result in a shift in behavioral preferences that non-traditional for the parent or parents. Parents and their children tend to find a common ground for such issues that helps them resolve potential problems. However, sexual identity for differently-sexualized (e.g.: homosexual, bisexual, or transgendered) children and adolescents is typically more difficult for the parent to accept than are preferences towards popular culture, dating habits, or even substance abuse. Sexual identity is not a phase and the offspring will not simply outgrow it in time; parents who discover that their children are differently-sexualized not only have to change their perceptions of..."
Abstract This paper shall assess the impact that supportgroups and the perception of HIV and AIDS has on those that are afflicted with the disease. There is a focus on women and women's issues in respect to HIV and AIDS. Format is a literature review.
Abstract The paper examines the idea of supportgroups for daughters mourning the loss of mothers and discusses how group therapy focusing on daughters who lost their mothers can be of great help during the grieving process. The paper explains that daughters and mothers share a very particular and unique bond and women in such a group can lend support and comfort when family and friends have left to go on with their lives. The paper discusses the dynamics of such a group and stresses the benefits of support from those who have been in the same situation themselves.
Contents:
Introduction
Theoretical Orientation
Group Composition
Group Structure
Role of the Leader
Rules and Norms
Evaluation Process
From the Paper "In a hospice situation the focus in terms of death and bereavement is usually upon the dying patient and the immediate family. When the patient has died, grief normally becomes lost in elements such as funeral arrangements and accommodating family members who traveled for the sake of the funeral. When all the administration and arrangements have been finished, those closest to the demised person often suffer delayed feelings of grief. This often occurs alone, as the public display of the death is now over. The reality of the death, while still present, now takes a second position to the activities of the living going on with their lives."
Abstract This paper examines the various stages of a breast cancer supportgroup, with an eye towards illustrating each phase by briefly discussing the experiences of a family member who entered into such a group. As well, the second part of the paper looks at how church membership or church groups have many of the same features as supportgroups - and many of the same inter-personal problems. In the final analysis, the paper concludes that a successful group finds a way to incorporate new ideas into an old structure (or will remodel that structure as need be) so that tensions can be eliminated and common goals pursued.
Outline:
Abstract
Paper One
Paper Two
References
From the Paper "The "norming" period is the period wherein the initial discomfort in meeting with strangers to discuss such a painful topic begins to give way to one in which people begin to establish relationships and a level of trust. Furthermore, a collective sense of purpose and a sense of what activities will achieve that purpose are finally, conclusively, introduced and become established within the group. During my relative's tenure as a member of a support group, she made an effort to build relationships and she also collaborated with others as the group sought to come up with activities that would foster togetherness while also educating the members on how they could get the most out of life despite their illness. It was certainly not easy building such friendships (many of the members were reserved and scared) but the effort was ultimately worth it."
Abstract The paper refers to the article "Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability" by D.R. Falvo and discusses the reaction of parents when a child is born with or develops some form of disability during childhood. The paper discusses the stress that can take the form of grief, denial, depression or guilt. The paper explains the positive outlook parents should have and discusses the benefits of supportgroups and grief counseling. The paper emphasizes the importance of parents understanding that they still have a whole, but different, child.
From the Paper "When a child is born with or develops some form of disability during his or her childhood, the parents almost inevitably suffer significant feeling of loss and grief. The process that they undertake is similar to that of someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, or of a special person in their lives. The totality of this grieving depends on a number of factors. It is influenced by 1) the condition itself, 2) the disparity between the individuals' personality pre- and post-disease or disability, 3) how the affected individual and his or her family perceive the new condition, 4) the resources with which the person can respond to the disease or disability, and 5) the amount of support that an individual can derive from his or her family or society at large (Falvo, 2005, p. 1)."
Abstract This paper examines resistance to group therapy and explores what methods can be adopted to overcome resistance. The paper examines how resistance can be both harmful and positive to the counseling experience. As the paper explains, resistance is most likely to be positive when counselors use it to help patients identify areas for improvement and strategies for overcoming their resistance in the future. The paper focuses its examination on new research supporting the incorporation of pre-group training as a positive method for overcoming resistance in group therapy.
Outline:
Proposition Overcoming And Encouraging Positive Group Therapy
Support For Approach
Conclusions
From the Paper "Many problems arising with group therapy stem from counseling that focuses on problems rather than solutions (Laursen & Oliver, 2003). Far too often patients find it easy to focus on their struggles and problems in a forum that supports such release. However a new approach to group therapy should focus on encouraging patients both to participate in individual and group therapy session that focus on their successes. In addition group therapy sessions should provide a forum where other members can help participants identify solutions to their problems rather than focus on the problem itself. By doing so patients will learn to take responsibility for their problems and recover more quickly."
Abstract This paper discusses Wifred Bion's 1961 work, "Experiences in Groups." It suggests that through this work, one can understand how to successfully organize and motivate individuals through reviving their innate place within a supportive work group in order to accomplish goals and expectations. The paper relates Bion's work to the writer's own experiences of working within group and individual settings.
From the Paper "My examination of these theories has offered me insight into my own group and individual situations in everyday life. By understanding how Work Avoidance truly works in decision making, I can try to avoid it as much as possible. From now on, I will attempt to use the successful group working strategy rather than allow my fate to be placed in the responsibility of another, including a messiah. Sometimes, all you want is to be saved, but eventually you will realize that there is no one out more equip to save you from your situation that yourself. After reading and analyzing Bion's work and theories on group interaction and behavior, I will definitely attempt to make the extra effort in working through my problems rather than taking a simpler way out or letting the group influence me into believing that avoiding the situation will somehow resolve the conflict. There is a certain power involved with taking charge within your own life and also within a group. By seeing what could happen if I let the group tae control of me, I now know that I want to take charge of the group and direct them into an active decision making process, instead of letting them take a back seat and avoid the work needed to be successful in situations."
Abstract This paper defines the Turner Syndrome as the absence or deformity of the X chromosome. It investigates the treatments available to individuals suffering from the syndrome. The paper explores the resources and supportgroups available for parents of children who are diagnosed with the disorder.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Identification
Characteristics
Treatment
Resources and Support for Parents
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "It is estimated that Turner Syndrome occurs in 1 out of every 2500 live female births, making it one of the most common chromosomal disorders in the world. In the United States alone 800 new cases are discovered every year and an estimated 80,000 women battle with the disorder. ("Resources and Research: FAQ"s,? n.d.) The central purpose of this discussion is to identify and characterize the aforementioned condition using information gathered from the Turner Syndrome Society and The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. We will also investigate the treatments that are offered to individuals that suffer with the disorder including growth hormones and reproductive technologies. Finally, we will explore what resources and support groups are available for parents of children that are diagnosed with Turner Syndrome."
Abstract This paper discusses Neurofibromatosis (NF) or von Recklinghausen disease, a genetic disease that causes tumors to occur under the skin and throughout the nervous system. It examines how it can occur in both sexes and all ethnic groups, discusses its causes and provides a detailed list of symptoms. It shows how although there is no way is to prevent the fifty percent of all NF cases that occur from gene mutation, inherited NF can be prevented with careful genetic counseling and tests can be performed on the fetus during pregnancy, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. The paper provides a long appendix of supportgroups and further reading material.
From the Paper "NF-2 affects roughly one in 40,000 persons and is characterized by bilateral tumors on the eighth cranial nerve. These tumors cause progressive hearing loss and can cause pressure damage to neighboring nerves. The damage to nearby vital structures, such as other cranial nerves and the brainstem, can be life-threatening (Neurofibromatosis pg). The tumors can also cause weakness of the facial muscles, headache, dizziness, poor balance, and uncoordinated walking. Cataracts, cloudy areas on the lens of the eye, frequently develop at an early age. And as in NF-1, the chance of developing brain tumors is unusually high (Carson-DeWitt pg). As with NF-1, the treatments for NF-2 are aimed at controlling the symptoms. An MRI can reveal small tumors, resulting in early treatment."
Abstract This paper analyzes Barbara Ehrenreich's article which expresses the opinion that cancer supportgroups and programs on breast cancer survivorship, instead of providing social support for cancer patients and victims, have instead created a 'cult' in which survival of, rather than finding a cure for, cancer is encouraged and propagated.
From the Paper "The author was critical of this issue, although her thesis did not surface in the initial part of her article. She had divided her discussion into three: the first part talked about the ordeal a woman had to go through after finding out that she has cancer; the second discussion centered on the social support groups that have been formed to accept one's victimization; and the last section provided a critical view of the 'kitschiness' of the rituals cancer patients and survivors have to go through. The organization helped readers reflect on the cult that is cancer survivorship, and clearly follow Ehrenreich's point of contention as she shifts her narrative from identification to antagonism from the very 'cult' that she had been assimilated for a short period of time."
