Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung CCJ(1), Jim CH(1), Chiu, PF(1), Au KM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Occupational Therapy, Tai Po Hospital
Introduction :
Promoting well-being of individuals with mental and psychosocial challenge has been a major objective of psychiatric interventions since the introduction of the recovery approach. Since 2018, the Happy Ukulele program was introduced in the Psychiatric Day Hospital (PDH) in Tai Po Hospital (TPH). It was a Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) utilizing music and leisure as means in a group setting.
Objectives :
Objectives:
(1) Enhance patients’ psychological wellbeing, (2) promote their sense of hope.
Methodology :
The group intervention included the following: 5 PPI group sessions with music activities, 3 music skills sessions to learn playing Ukulele, self-initiated Ukulele practice and support groups, and Ukulele performance to co-patients in the last session. Participants were PDH patients in TPH with principle diagnoses including mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. For outcome measurement, a Pre-test vs Post-test design was employed. Measurements included parameters for (1) psychological wellbeing and happiness, (2) level of hope, and (3) overall mental wellbeing. A satisfaction survey was designed to gather patients’ feedback.
Result & Outcome :
Results:
Since August of 2018, 18 participants completed the program.
Engagement and Relationship sub-scores of self-developed questionnaire showed significant positive differences (p < 0.05). Improved Engagement subs-score indicated that patient’s participation in activities they were committed to increased. Individuals with higher Engagement sub-scores were more likely to enter a state of flow, in which they were attentive and possessed total control of the activity. A higher Relationship subs-score indicated improved ability in building and maintaining positive relationships with others.
There were significant increases in Pathway (p < 0.05) & Agency (p < 0.05) sub-scores in Snyder’s Hope Scale, indicating improvement in the level of hope among participants. An increased Pathway sub-score represented enhanced self-efficacy in formulating methods to achieve desired goals. Higher Agency sub-score represented that participants were more motivated in undertaking routes to achieve these goals.
100% of participants agreed that the group was beneficial. Participant feedbacks described the group as an intervention that facilitated the building of positive relationship and hope.
Conclusions:
The Happy Ukulele program showed positive results in enhancing psychological wellbeing and promoting sense of hope of individuals with mental and psychosocial challenge. Further outcome evaluation of the program with a larger sample is recommended for stronger evidence of program effectiveness.
