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| Id | 594 | |
| Author | Malyn B.O., Thomas Z., Ramsey-Wade C.E. | |
| Title | Reading and writing for well-being: A qualitative exploration of the therapeutic experience of older adult participants in a bibliotherapy and creative writing group | |
| Reference | Malyn B.O., Thomas Z., Ramsey-Wade C.E.; Reading and writing for well-being: A qualitative exploration of the therapeutic experience of older adult participants in a bibliotherapy and creative writing group ;Counselling and Psychotherapy Research vol:20 issue: 4.0 page:715.0 |
Link to article | https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85079455100&doi=10.1002%2fcapr.12304&partnerID=40&md5=6df9234325601708ebb2cf84949e8832 |
| Abstract | This study provides a qualitative exploration of the therapeutic mechanisms occurring within three community-based reading and writing for well-being groups attended by older adults, located in a city in England. Whilst it is increasingly accepted that community-based participatory arts programmes can contribute to health and well-being (Clift, 2012), research in this area has tended to focus on the visual and performing arts, with less attention given to literary interventions. This study aims to develop a deeper understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms occurring within these groups which facilitate well-being, with the objectives of (a) enhancing practitioners ability to effectively implement such interventions and (b) contributing to the development of a strong theoretical base from which such interventions can be meaningfully evaluated. Twelve individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted for this study and analysed using thematic analysis, following the guidelines of Braun and Clarke (2006). Four overarching themes were developed through the analysis. These are expressed through a relational framework as follows: ‘Relationship to self’, ‘Relationship with others’, ‘Relationship with facilitator’ and ‘An intermediary object’. It is concluded that community-based bibliotherapy and therapeutic creative writing groups support well-being in older adults by providing a unique space in which participants feel acknowledged, accepted, challenged and inspired. Future research should focus on the efficacy of the intervention for reducing social isolation and loneliness. Practice implications for traditional group and individual therapies are also discussed. © 2020 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy |
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| A person's resilience and the presence of positive states and emotions are key elements of well-being. . | Many participants also reported experiences of personal development, stating that that they had developed increased self-confidence and self-efficacy. . | Based on the findings of this study, a recommendation could be made that facilitators of reading and writing for well-being groups should be trained in both the literary and psychotherapeutic arts. . | An increased understanding of these therapeutic mechanisms can be applied by practitioners to improve facilitation of therapeutic reading and writing groups, or to support mindful integration of literary interventions into more traditional individual and group therapies. . | It was found that engaging in reading and writing as a group fosters strong group cohesion, helping to reduce social isolation, and challenges participants to explore how they relate to others through sharing one's own, and hearing each other's, stories. . | The data brought together to develop this theme indicate that reading and writing for well-being groups can contribute to participant well-being by offering participants a tool for eliciting insight and emotional exploration. . | The themes that were developed both support the findings of past research into community-based participatory arts groups and build upon them, giving voice to unique perspectives and exploring the specific power of the literary arts. . | In addition to supporting the future implementation of further reading and writing for well-being groups, this research has practice implications for the more traditional group and individual therapies. . | An additional question future research might explore is around the differences in therapeutic processes occurring in various community participatory arts groups based upon the artistic medium being used. . | participants with a space where they can engage in meaningful activity, explore their subjective experiences and strive towards growth without any need to accept a label of pathology. . |
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