GROUP INTERVENTION FOR MOTHERS AND ADOLESCENT DAUGHTERS

Background: An occupational therapy group intervention for adolescent daughters and their mothers has been developed. The aim is to influence to the interaction and to make changes to their relationship possible. Sometimes the... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
An occupational therapy group intervention for adolescent daughters and their mothers has been developed. The aim is to influence to the interaction and to make changes to their relationship possible. Sometimes the way back to each other has to be found before the individuation.
Theoretical underpinning:
The relationship between a mother and daughter is delicate. The daughter may feel sadness about the psychological and physical separation that is about to happen. The adolescent daughter simultaneously both needs and doesn´t feel the need of her mother. (Klockars, L. & Sirola, R., 2001, p215) If there are problems, this group offers a field to rebuild the relationship. The group also provides support and heightened emotions to its members (Finlay L., 2001, p4).
Intervention:
There are ten sessions during one year. The group facilitates the discussion but also the occupations are an important part of the intervention. They are analyzed and chosen so they support the interaction and offer possibilities for co-operation between mother and daughter. Between the meetings there are home tasks that are linked to the next group session’s theme.
Evaluation of outcome:
Participants learn from each other, from themselves and from occupational therapy interventions. The changes of the interaction are evaluated by using ACIS and by the questioner about the healing elements of group intervention.
Application to practice:
Only a few OT-articles about groups for adolescent daughters and their mothers were found. This group has a lot to offer and should be formulated and documented for wider use.