Psychiatric Group Work in Social Skill Training

Abstract

The article is based on a descriptive study of the results of group work with eight individuals with disparate mental diagnoses. The main objective of the group work was to increase the social competence level of the group participants. The aim of this study is to examine whether they believe that the goals set were achieved, using qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of participants in group work. The study confirms that the goals established for social skills training were achieved, with respect to both social skills and self-confidence. Four focal themes emerged from the interviews: (1) communications and social interaction, (2) support and empowerment, (3) empathy and trust, (4) practical advice and guidance. Participants rated communications and social interaction as very important, whereas practical advice and guidance were rated as being low on the scale of value.

Keywords:

• mentally ill
• group work
• mutual aid
• psychosocial work
• social skills

Notes

1. It should be noted, that examples of group work can be traced back as far as around 600 B.C., when groups of people came together in the temple at Epidauros in Greece to provide each other with support for psychological problems through conversations, instruction and lectures (Lennéer-Axelson & Thylefors, 1992).

2. Support and education in various forms takes place in the ward outside of the group activity, such as courses focusing on nutrition and smoking cessation.