Authors: (including presenting author): :
NG HY(1), LAM WFK(1), FUNG SY(1), SZETO WL(2), LI MYM(1), TO JL(1), CHIANG LM(1), CHOI HM(1), LI PN(1), LI YL(1), TANG CW(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Psychiatry, United Christian Hospital,(2)Nursing Services Division, United Christian Hospital
Introduction: :
The relationship between self-esteem and mental health problems is complex and can be mutually affected. Low self-esteem may be a predisposing factor for developing mental health problem but may also the result of mental illness and their sequelae. Research had showed that strength-based approaches yielded desirable “soft” outcome such as self-esteem, self-efficacy and sense of hope to people with severe mental illness. Thus a Strength-Based Support Group in CPS was established to help patients to identify their acquired strengths with self-esteem improved.
Objectives: :
(1) To identify their strengths to improve self-esteem
(2) To instill hope and promote recovery
Methodology: :
7 patients receiving CPS were recruited to form a focus group. A “Pre-test” and “Post-test” design on level of self-esteem was adopted. 4 sessions of group-based interventions were designed and conducted by community psychiatric nurse (CPN) and peer support worker (PSW) at localized Community Centre. Patients were guided to review their life events by drawing individual timeline. CPN would provide home visit to make up the missed session for those participants who could not attend all classes. Outcome measures were categorized by Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and Satisfaction Survey.
Result & Outcome: :
4 participants had completed all the sessions with improved self-esteem from 2.5% to 10%. All participants gave positive feedback to the program and appreciated staff effort especially the input of PSW who shared her personal experience of recovery. They were also inspired with hope and felt increased confidence to go through their individual recovery journey in the future. Besides, the participants developed mutual support during the process, they initiated to keep in touch with each other for continuous support.
Conclusion:
The Strength-based support group was effective to improve patients’ self-esteem, instill hope and promote recovery. PSW inspired patients with hope by sharing personal recovery journey with similar illness background. Group-based activities facilitated patients to develop mutual support so as to enhance social network.
