Sense of coherence in systemic family therapy trainees in times of change

Abstract

This study aimed at qualitatively exploring the development of a sense of coherence (SOC) among systemic family therapist trainees (FTT) over a 3-year period. It was conducted in a private family therapy training institute in central Germany. The sample consisted of 66 trainees. The components of SOC and their general health played an important role in the development of FTTs throughout the three training years. Findings show that the SOC component of meaningfulness (motivation) was most frequently mentioned and most important to participants’ personal and professional development, followed by comprehensibility (understanding of self, others and the context) and finally by manageability (coping with challenges based on personal, social and professional resources). The three SOC components fostered a positive self-care approach in FTTs and improved health and well-being over the 3 years. Visions of FTT at the end of the training show that they aim at personal and professional growth and development in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Keywords:

• Family therapy training
• Germany
• mental health and well-being
• professional development
• therapy trainees

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants and the participating institution for their longitudinal participation in the study.

Disclosure statement

The authors indicate no potential conflicts of interest.

Notes

1 https://systemische-gesellschaft.de/ The SG certifies institutions and courses in systemic family therapy, among others, offered by those institutions.

2 Author 1 was the participant observer and researcher in the course over the 3-year research period.

3 Categories were informed by codes. The category of ‘self-reflection’ was informed by the codes, thinking and reflecting; the category change in perspective was informed by codes such as new perspective, learn to see things from a different viewpoint, get a new view on something; and learn to see something through somebody else’s eyes.

4 The researchers refer to the first year in terms of frequency statements only. Owing to declining statement numbers during the 3 years, a decline is seen in almost all of the categories. Aspects are highlighted only when frequency increased over the years.