Community-based support groups for mental health care users : a social constructionist approach
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Authors
Meiring, Leana
Issue Date
2015-11
Type
Dissertation
Language
Keywords
Primary health care , Community health centre , Mental health care users , Mental illness , Community-based support group , Rehabilitation , Social support , Sitgmatisation , Social isolation , Intervention
Alternative Title
Abstract
High prevalence of mental illness in South African and limited Mental Health Care (MHC) resources call for ways to supplement the overburdened system to meet the rehabilitative and supportive needs of service users as stipulated in the MHC Act no. 17 of 2002. Various psychological, social, and financial difficulties plaguing MHC users require holistic treatment intervention to help them cope with their conditions. This study explored the meaning of a Tshwane District community-based support group for MHC out-patients to help illuminate the value the group had for the members. A Social Constructionist epistemology informed the qualitative research approach. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and employing a collage-making method. The main themes illuminated by thematic analysis suggest that the group provided the members with a sense of belonging, mental and physical mobilisation and stimulation, a source of support, multiple learning experiences, and contributed to personal transformation and growth.
Description
Citation
Meiring, Leana (2015) Community-based support groups for mental health care users : a social constructionist approach, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20085>