Mental health consumers' preferences in group processes

Abstract

Groupwork has been used in mental health for many purposes. This thesis looks at group processes, in looking at aspects of groups that may be relevant for ensuring groupwork becomes an optimum experience for consumers. Looking at group processes is primarily done by asking local Pakeha mental health consumers for their preferences and opinions on many facets of groupwork, likely to be encountered in many types or contents of groups. These are as follows: First, the applicability of groupwork, at all, is explored. Second, the practical aspects of how groups are structured are looked at, resulting in a set of guide-lines on where, when, and other practical aspects of running groups. Third, it is determined whether single gender groups are wanted, and what could encourage either men or women to attend groups. Fourth, issues relevant to group leadership, and aspects of the group that are likely to be extremely influenced by group leadership, are explored. Fifth, factors contributing to group climate, group culture, and group norms are explored. It is then determined whether there are any additional themes arising from fieldwork. Additional themes discussed are the need for consumer run groups, the need for self-directed groups, and the need for groups to not disempower members. Situations where groupwork could be done without disempowering members are considered, and the need for increased awareness of cultural differences of members in groupwork is briefly discussed. A major conclusion was that almost all participants wanted groups that did not disempower members. A second major conclusion was that participants wanted group workers, or leaders, with sufficient skills to do the job well. The final major conclusion was that service providers need to start listening to consumers. Participants preferences in groups generally reflected what is regarded as good groupwork in the literature reviewed throughout this thesis. This highlights the participants' credibility and likelihood of knowing what is best for themselves.