ERIC Number: EJ1118063
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: N/A
Adapting and Evaluating a Tree of Life Group for Women with Learning Disabilities
Randle-Phillips, Cathy; Farquhar, Sarah; Thomas, Sally
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v44 n4 p301-308 Dec 2016
Background: This study describes how a specific narrative therapy approach called 'the tree of life' was adapted to run a group for women with learning disabilities. The group consisted of four participants and ran for five consecutive weeks. Materials and Methods: Participants each constructed a tree to represent their lives and presented their tree to the group who responded with positive feedback and affirming statements. This led to discussion about overcoming the storms of life and a celebration of the journey the group had been through together. Key Results: Although no change was found on quantitative measures of well-being and self-esteem, participants reported benefitting from the peer support and social connectedness that the group offered, particularly in relation to themes of loss and change in their lives. Conclusions: "The tree of life" approach has potential value as an intervention for people with learning disabilities. The benefits and challenges of this approach within the context of working with people with learning disabilities are discussed. [The evaluation was carried out at Bristol South Community Learning Difficulties Team.]
Descriptors: Females, Intellectual Disability, Program Effectiveness, Intervention, Attitude Measures, Statistical Analysis, Well Being, Self Esteem, Personal Narratives, Peer Influence, Interpersonal Relationship, Group Therapy, Coping, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A