Research Article  |   January 2013
Self-Development Groups Among Women in Recovery: Client Perceptions of Satisfaction and Engagement
Suzanne M. Peloquin; Carrie A. Ciro
Author Affiliations
  • Suzanne M. Peloquin, PhD, OTR, is Professor Emeritus, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and Occupational Therapist, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center, Galveston. Address correspondence to 4904 Travis Drive, Galveston, TX 77551; speloqui@utmb.edu
  • Carrie A. Ciro, PhD, OTR, is Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City
Article Information
Complementary/Alternative Approaches / Health and Wellness / Mental Health / Mental Health
Research Article   |   January 2013
Self-Development Groups Among Women in Recovery: Client Perceptions of Satisfaction and Engagement
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2013, Vol. 67, 82-90. doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.004796
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2013, Vol. 67, 82-90. doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.004796
Abstract

PURPOSE. We examined engagement in and satisfaction with occupational therapy self-development groups among women in a residential facility for substance dependence.

METHOD. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 1,488 Likert-scale surveys completed anonymously between 2006 and 2010. Descriptive statistics were used to examine client satisfaction in self-development groups. Differences in engagement by content focus and activity process were also examined by analyzing the median scores of eight self-development questions using the Kruskal–Wallis test of medians.

RESULTS. Of those who completed surveys, 73.6% strongly agreed and 23.4% agreed (collectively, 97%) that they were satisfied with the group. No significant differences (p > .05) were found in the median scores of the questions by content focus or activity process.

CONCLUSION. Self-development activity groups with salient recovery themes conceptualized within a person–environment–occupation model appear to be a satisfactory and engaging intervention for women in recovery from substance abuse.