Focused and Motivated: A Psychoeducational Group for Parents Living With HIV

Abstract

To understand the beneficial aspects of a psychoeducational group, parents living with HIV participated in two telephone interviews. Twelve parents answered open-ended questions about program processes, components, and activities. Study participants identified five processes: focused and motivated; learn from each other; share freely with people who understand; support and care about each other; respect each other's privacy; and protect each other. The identified knowledge areas—self-care, parenting, and goal-setting—were consistent with the program's focus. Components noted were those activities designed to develop comfort between participants, share ideas, and practice skills. Goal-setting and monitoring progress represented a primary task that brought focus to the group's endeavors and around which knowledge was shared and feedback and support were provided, strengthening the bonds between the participants. As people with HIV are living longer, programming can take a future orientation, supporting parents in raising children and leading productive lives.

KEYWORDS:

• goal-setting
• group
• HIV
• parents
• psychoeducation

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors want to thank Elizabeth Monk and the participants of Making Positive Changes.