Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This is a preliminary evaluation on the effectiveness of an integrated body-mind-spirit approach group programme in improving the well being of stroke survivors (SS). The onset of a stroke is a traumatic experience. Many SS reported emotional maladjustment and poor interpersonal relationships, which affect their motivation in therapy and lead to poor recovery. Therefore, it is paramount to help SS to manage emotions, build resiliency and develop transformation growth. The programme adopts the combination of eastern philosophical health practices with western group psycho-therapeutic techniques. With Singapore’s Asian population, this approach attempts to contextualize activities according to the local culture so as to facilitate participants to explore their inner self (i.e. their emotional coping stances, world views, and mindsets) and learning ways to manage their emotions. Programme comprised of 6 weekly sessions (2.5 hours/ session/ week) for a group of 8-12 participants. The programme was run for 3 groups (mixture of SS and caregivers), total of 28 subjects, over different time periods. 3 pre/ post self reported questionnaires and a post programme self reported evaluation form were administered. Paired t-tests are used to analyse the pre/post results. Result show improvement in the well being, self efficacy and mood levels of the subjects. Using the body-mind-spirit framework, healthcare practitioners can potentially engage SS better while facilitating the important process of exploration and change for SS to manage better in their emotions and interpersonal relationships.