Beneficial factors identified by members of a psychoanalytically informed group for nurse ward managers

Abstract

This paper describes a mutually collaborative action research project with six nurse ward managers who participated in 12 sessions of a psychoanalytically informed group. Yalom's (1975) therapeutic factors categories were administered in a questionnaire format. One week afterwards, the group members were interviewed and asked about their experiences. Analysis of the data revealed that catharsis, group cohesiveness, universality and altruism were highly rated factors, while identification, guidance and family re-enactment were considered less important. The study examined stress aroused occupationally, but also made links with personal issues. The results suggested, however, that beneficial factors are associated with the working environment, and it is therefore suggested that these factors are incorporated into nursing culture. Further research on nurses' experience of their work environments and the benefits of establishing effective groups is proposed.