An evaluation of a psychotherapeutic group intervention for persons having difficulty coping with musculoskeletal disorders.
This study evaluated an 8-9 week psychotherapeutic group program designed to help people cope with the difficulties and changes that arise when living with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Also examined were individual differences in client expectations about the benefits of the groups. Participants were 64 community-dwelling adults who completed questionnaires at the beginning, end, and three months after their final group session. Outcomes were mastery, coping efficacy, helplessness, self-acceptance and depression. Significant changes from pre- to post-intervention were found in mastery, depression, and coping-efficacy with effect sizes of .50 or greater. Individuals who had concerns or reservations about participating in the groups gained from the intervention in the same ways as others who were more positive at the outset of the groups.
Gignac
M A
MA
The Arthritis Community Research & Evaluation Unit, The University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. gignac@whnres.utoronto.ca
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States