The study aims to evaluate the performance by a group-activity program that is based on the cognitive-behavioral approach of Marlatt-Gordon but it must be adequately revised and supplemented to make it fit the aims of the program, while referring to p...
The study aims to evaluate the performance by a group-activity program that is based on the cognitive-behavioral approach of Marlatt-Gordon but it must be adequately revised and supplemented to make it fit the aims of the program, while referring to previous research. It also was intended to help treat alcoholics and prevent the relapse by its practical application, while finding out the role of social welfare workers in the area of their mental health. To achieve the goal, the study performed a group-activity program for 9 alcoholics hospitalized in the psychiatric department of P hospital located in K province from April 8 to May 9, 2003. To estimate the effect, tests were given for self-esteem and self-efficacy in quitting drinking before and after the program, and an analysis of the program and the evaluation on each patients were performed at the end by making use of evaluation sheets and their statements on how they felt in the program. The result from the research is as follow:
First, the estimation by a rating scale, before and after the program, showed the result telling it had a positive influence on improving the self-esteem and self-efficacy, and the t-probe into the changed values showed a statistical significance in the scores before and after.
Second, the result by the evaluation sheet indicated mostly positive responses, with 75% of them saying it had been helpful in preventing the relapse.
Third, by the statements they made and by the observation by the group leader, the program was estimated to be quite successful in having their recognition changed, helping them realize the very dangerous situation that they faced, acquire the countermeasures, find themselves, perceive both their problems and their preciousness, and endeavor to further the value of themselves, leading them to regain their desire for life and determine to quit drinking.
Based on the results, the study seems to suggest the following:
First, It is hard for us to draw any general conclusions since the experiment targeted 9 patients. I wish that I had enough time and groups by age, sex, education career and hospitalization history. The experimental group needs to be compared with its control group instead of trying to probe the effect for alone.
Second, the family's attitude and support is the most important element to prevent relapse for alcoholics. So I suggest the family participate in the program to prevent harmful elements and play a supporting role.
Third, the research design to check the lasting effect is necessary. The after-service as well as the continuous management and surveys need to be sustained.
Forth, the results depend on the patients hospitalization history and the stage of the disease. The results are more effective if the alcoholism is caught in its early stages. According to this result, the cohesion of the members seems to be contributing factor to any success, which means that mutual recognition and sympathy, encouragement and support, observation and modeling lead to positive results. If we design a program considering this, we can expect better results. This means that it is a good idea to intervene in the early stage of the disease, before the chronic state sets in by using the cognitive-behavioral approach of Marlatt-Gordon.
Fifth, at this point of time that the social worker's role is very important to help with the alcoholics problems in mental health area, we need to develop programs that are applicable. These are desperately needed by social workers.