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Psychiatric group work in social skill training
- Authors:
- SVAVARSDÓTTIR Sveinbjörg Júlía, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work with Groups, 35(2), April 2012, pp.103-123.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Mutual support groups have become a cornerstone in the treatment of mental disorders, aimed at increasing skills in interaction with others. This study explored the results of group work with individuals, from the National University Hospital of Iceland, with disparate mental diagnoses. The main objective of the group work was to increase the social competence level of the group participants. The study investigated whether participants believed that the goals set were achieved, using qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 8 individuals in group work. Findings revealed 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: communications and social interaction; support and empowerment; empathy and trust; and 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. Implications for practice are discussed.