Influence of group cohesion on maternal well-being among participants in a support/education group program for single mothers.
Single mothers are at increased risk of psychosocial disadvantage, social isolation and physical and mental health difficulties. The authors present (1) the results of group cohesion assessments completed by mothers participating in a trial of community-based support/education groups, and (2) assessments of the association between group cohesion ratings and intervention outcomes of maternal self-evaluations of well-being (mood, self-esteem, and social support) and parenting. Mothers participating in groups completed the Group Atmosphere Scale, a measure of group cohesion, post-group. Overall, most participants provided strong ratings of group cohesion. Significant associations were found between group cohesion and specific positive outcomes. This suggests a positive association between group cohesion and mood, self-esteem, social support, and parenting, in this trial.
Lipman
Ellen L
EL
Department of Psychiatry, McMaster University.
Waymouth
Marjorie
M
Offord Centre for Child Studies.
Gammon
Tara
T
Offord Centre for Child Studies.
Carter
Patricia
P
Offord Centre for Child Studies.
Secord
Margaret
M
Offord Centre for Child Studies.
Leung
Olivia
O
Offord Centre for Child Studies.
Mills
Brenda
B
Hamilton Health Sciences.
Hicks
Frances
F
Hamilton Health Sciences.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016487:Parenting; D011584:Psychology; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D015406:Single Parent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires