This study aims to determine how the drug dependent patient subjectively experiences his purpose in life, as well as establishing guide-lines for activating an experience of a life with a purpose during the rehabilitation programme of the drug dependent patient. A qualitative model of research using an explorative and descriptive contextual study was used. By using a non-probable convenience selection method, 15 voluntary drug dependent patients were defined as units of analysis in order to determine the extent of their subjective experience of their purpose in life, using a semi-structured interview with the help of the "Purpose in life Test". The units of analysis complied with the criteria for drug dependency and were studied within the given context, i.e. the short term unit inside the hospital environment. Data obtained, after completing the instrument of measurement, was processed using the point allocation system of the attitude scale in the first section, a coding and frequency analysis of important words in the second section, and the phenomenological method of Giorgi in the third section. The results indicated that 14 out of the 15 units of analysis experienced their purpose in life as weak. From these results a programme for the activating of purpose in life experience was proposed and implemented on a single drug dependent patient who was selected as a case study. The data obtained during the presentation of the programme consist of summaries made by the therapist during the course of each session, and independent evaluations of the therapist and the patient.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Counseling in the prevention of fatigue in psychiatric nurses].

Nursing is a stressful activity and therefore it is necessary for nurses to develop effective coping mechanisms, or to strengthen existing ones in a healthy manner, in order to be capable of dealing with stress, arising from their personal and professional lives. It is, however, not solely stress itself which predisposes nurses to fatigue (physical, psychological and emotional exhaustion) but rather the chronic nature and excessive amount of stressors which place excessive demands on the energy resources and coping, mechanisms of nurses resulting in the ineffective handling of stress which in turn leads to the eventual development of fatigue. The detrimental results of this experience are, however, not confined to the nurse herself, but extends further to the patient and the organization. Thus, if fatigue is not controlled or dealt with, all parties and organizations concerned could suffer. This research covers the accompaniment function of the psychiatric nurse specialist in the prevention of fatigue in psychiatric nurses by strengthening their mental preparedness. As a possible solution to the experience of fatigue, a structured, accompanied program of three days was offered to a group of psychiatric nurses. The Solomon four group design was followed in order to eliminate influences on the subjects resulting from the completion of the self-evaluation scale as pre-test. The data which was obtained from the test results was statistically compared. Results showed that there was a definite decrease in the levels of fatigue experienced by the experimental group that received the structured accompanied programme, but no real change occurred in the control group that had merely been provided with relevant literature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1991

Specializing in midwifery.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Nurse Midwives↗

PubMed1990

[A self-development program for obese female students].

The purpose of this study is to construct and evaluate a self-development programme for obese female students. The important role of psychological factors in the etiology of obesity, affects self-development in the client through methods of growth stimulation, and will promote ego strength to assist in the demands of mass control. A self-development programme is constructed and applied to a group of obese female students. The experimental design comprised a pre, post and post-post evaluation with physical and psychological measuring instruments on an experimental and a control group. No significant changes in body mass occurred. Psychologically the programme promoted self-actualisation in terms of (intrapersonally) increased spontaneity, self-regard, confidence, worthiness and decreased nervousness, and (interpersonally) increased general social adaptation and the capacity for intimate, personal contact. It is recommended that the stimulation of psychological growth be stressed even more in mass control programmes. Also, the contents of this type of programme should be investigated to promote behaviour change over a longer period of time.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

[Handling of stress in daily life. II. Prevention and amelioration of stress].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1989

[Nursing as a mission].

When nursing is viewed as a mission (calling) five facets ought to be built in the nurse's approach: a philosophical-, a personal-, a interpersonal-, a scientific-, and a professional facet. When attention is given to all five these facets it is just as a diamond that is polished to shine. These facets are in reality interwoven and are only differentiated to be discussed.

Humans↗

PubMed1989

[Stress management in everyday life].

Most of the stress in a person's life is self-initiated and self-propagated. Hans Selye has stated that it is not what happens to you that matters, but how you handle it. Stress is part and parcel of our daily living and it is important that we should be conscious of our healthy stress level and prevent the unhealthy effects of a too high level of stress. Different types of stress management techniques are discussed and it is important to remember that not only one technique must be utilized. Every person should identify stressors in his life that are not beneficial to him and choose techniques of stress management that will have the most positive effect.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1988