title: A psychoeducational codependency support group for older adults who reside in the community: friends supporting friends.
abstract: Older adults with loved ones who are dependent on alcohol or drugs often experience the adverse effects of a codependent relationship. Many experience anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and suicidal thoughts. A pilot psychoeducational codependency support group was developed to promote well-being and reduce the adverse effects of codependency among older persons. The study participants were a voluntary convenience sample of 22 older adults (ages 65 and older) residing in the community. A pretest and posttest were administered. Six 90-minute group sessions based on a curriculum developed by the authors were held during a 2-month period. Yalom's Therapeutic Factors were used to evaluate the group process. Results indicated that older adults benefit from a psychoeducational support group format and that codependency issues can be reduced.
authors.affiliation: Hillsborough Hospital, Department of Health-Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada.
authors.forename: Gloria J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: McIinnis-Perry
authors.forename: Jim M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Good
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017004:Codependency, Psychological; D003142:Communication; D003479:Curriculum; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D006126:Group Processes; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012649:Self Concept; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States