Evaluering van 'n maatskaplike groepwerk-bemagtigingsprogram met alkoholafhanklike bejaardes : 'n sterkteperspektief

Abstract

Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006

The overall objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a social group work
 empowerment programme which is aimed at alcohol dependent elderly people's needs
 and strengths. The thesis consists of four sections:
 Section A refers to the problem statement, research objectives and procedures which
 were followed. Furthermore the limitations of this study, the definition of key words as
 well as the composition of the research report are discussed. The problem statement
 can be condensed as follows:
 o Journals all over the world have been pleading for decades that alcohol
 dependent clients should be exposed to special developed treatment
 programmes. Opposed to this, it was found that treatment centres in South Africa
 use one programme for all their clients, irrespective of age. This entails an unfair
 and unjust service delivery model. From these findings a need for a specialized
 treatment programme for alcohol dependant clients was identified.
 o The strengths perspective has been successfully implemented in various service
 areas of social work. Unfortunately it has not yet been implemented in a
 controlled study with alcohol dependent elderly through group work services.
 The problem statement leads to four research aims. Developmental and Utilization
 Research (DR & U-model) was used as the overall research model. This model was
 implemented within a mixed methodological design model. Interviews and experimental
 research were used as quantitative approaches, although some qualitative data were
 also reported. A case study, as a qualitative approach, was also used. Literature studies
 were conducted on the themes of alcoholism, social group work, as well as the strengths
 perspective.
 Section B consists of the four articles that form the report about the research outcomes.
 Each article is a report about a particular sub-project of the research and each has, as a
 self-contained unit, an own research aim, research method and report. Each of these is
 linked with the central aim, objectives and content of the umbrella research project. The
 four articles are:
 Article 1: Profile of alcohol dependent elderly people
 A comprehensive profile of alcohol dependent elderly is drafted based on the results of
 interviews and case studies with 56 aged participants. Various strengths, such as a
 spouse, of alcohol dependent elderly were identified. On the other hand needs, such as
 effective communication skills, were also identified.
 Article 2: The nature and practice of a strengths perspective with alcohol
 dependent elderly people
 The history of the strengths perspective is outlined within a South African and
 international context. From the literature study as well as interviews with the aged
 participants (N=56) and social work practitioners (N=27) various strengths and qualities group work services with alcohol dependent elderly people. Opposed to this, it was
 found that although this perspective holds many advantages for the alcohol dependent
 elderly person, it is presently not practised at registered treatment centres in South
 Africa that were involved in this investigation. Advantages, disadvantages and principles
 of this perspective are also discussed.
 Article 3: A social group work empowerment programme with alcohol
 dependent elderly people
 A social group work empowerment programme was developed for alcohol dependent
 elderly, aimed at their special needs, strengths and challenges. The programme was
 developed in the spirit of empowerment, a strengths perspective, healing and
 wholeness, as well as music therapy. Thirteen group meetings, such as communication,
 conflict management, handling of mild depression, managing of loss, HIV/Aids and the
 aged person, as well as religion and spirituality in old age, were developed and
 presented to the client group. Special concerns for group work with the aged, such as to
 use a loud voice and to speak clearly, were identified from the literature and empirical
 research, and was taken into account during the programme presentation.
 Article 4: The effect of a social group work empowerment programme on the
 social functioning of alcohol dependent elderly people
 The programme was implemented with eight (N=8) aged participants in an experimental
 group. Eight (N=8) aged participants was in a comparative group and they received the
 current group work programme offered by the targeted treatment centre. The shortened
 Affectometer 2 (Kammann & Nett) and Personal Multi-Screening Inventory
 (Perspective College) were used as quantitative measuring tools at four occasions with
 both groups. Added to that, the experimental group completed a self-developed
 qualitative questionnaire once after intervention. According to the quantitative data
 neither the empowerment programme, nor the current group work programme improved
 the social function of the alcohol dependent elderly people The qualitative data showed
 exactly the opposite findings for the experimental group.
 In Section C a summary of the findings and conclusions of the full research project is
 provided. Furthermore some recommendations are provided, followed by a discussion
 on the contribution of the study.
 Section D consists of various addenda, such as the interview schedules that were used
 for data collection purposes. The thesis is concluded with a compound bibliography.

Doctoral