RESUMO
We developed a group program for patients with binge eating disorders (BED), comprising cognitive therapy, affect consciousness, and therapeutic writing. We wished to investigate how therapeutic writing and affect consciousness were experienced by the patients when integrated in a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program. To our knowledge, such an intervention has not been tried in patients with BED. AIM: To explore patients' experience of attending a binge eating group program comprising therapeutic writing, affect consciousness, and CBT. RESEARCH QUESTION: How do patients evaluate their experience of attending an integrative binge eating group program? METHOD: A qualitative design using an evaluative focus group interview with participants (four women and two men) who had completed the pilot program. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: Enhanced self-awareness about the meaning of feelings; A more generous attitude towards oneself; and On the path to a better grip on the eating difficulties. DISCUSSION: We interpreted the three themes in light of transition processes. The program was described as an essential part of the healing process and seems valuable for enabling new approaches leading to therapeutic changes when suffering from BED.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Elderly people who leave their home environment and move to a nursing home enter a phase in life with diminishing contact with family and friends. This situation often results in a feeling of loneliness with a concomitant deterioration in physical and mental health. By exploring the topic through the lens of the nurses, this study takes a novel approach to address an under-researched area in the nursing field. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to identify, based on the nurses' experience, how elderly residents handle loneliness in the nursing home. METHODS: This study used a qualitative explorative approach with data collected through two focus group interviews with nine nurses at two elderly care facilities in Norway. The resulting transcripts were examined using an approach based on inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Three main categories emerged as crucial to help lonely nursing home residents cope with day-to-day life: (i) maintaining ties to one's earlier life; (ii) engaging in recreational pursuits; and (iii) building new networks. CONCLUSION: Analysing the findings based on sense of coherence (SOC) and person-centred care (PCC) theories illustrates the importance of maintaining a connection with both family and friends. To that point, having access to familiar objects from their earlier life seemingly provides meaning to the residents by bridging the past and the present. Recreational activities, ideally adapted to each person's needs and ability, have a positive impact by providing structure and meaning that help overtake feelings of loneliness. Building a new network with fellow residents and staff imparts a sense of meaningful community belonging and projects both dignity and self-worth.
