AN INDIGENOUS PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL GROUP FOR CHINESE BEREAVED FAMILY MEMBERS

Abstract

Detrimental effects of bereavement on physical, mental, social and psychological aspects of individuals can be found among bereaved Chinese. The authors have developed an indigenous practice model to work with bereaved family members among Chinese people in Hong Kong. The concept of bereavement was re-cast to include the idea that bereavement is a challenge that can aid in personal growth. Strategies were created to deal with the feelings of loss and separation positively. Programs in a "growth-oriented" psychosocial-educational group using multiple cognitive, behavioral and spiritual strategies were introduced. Throughout the sessions, messages of "Letting Go", "Self-Love", "Forgiveness" and "Transformation" were embedded in the programs by culturally relevant terms and concepts. A pre-group and post-group questionnaire as well as long interviews were used to evaluate the impact of the group on the participants. Participants of the bereavement groups showed significant improvements in somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, mood, self-acceptance, letting-go and transformation.丧亲会损害家人的身、心、情绪健康。笔者们共同设计了一套本地化「善别」概念为香港华人服务。「善别」的建立是基于「去者能善终、留者能善别」的信念，希望丧亲家人能「妥善处理别离的经验」，明白「死亡」是生命的蜕变，而善别、是成长的挑战」，以积极的态度去面对丧亲所引致的别离，以个人成长及独立训练作为回报亲人的关顾。「善别」辅导小组以身、心、灵全面介入，推介「舍得」、「惜自己」、「宽恕」、和「升华」等传统观念。透过小组前、后对比及访问方式搜集善别小组成效的证据。组员在参加小组之后均于身心、情绪、自我接纳、「舍得」及「升华」方面有正面的改善。