The experience of older adults who participate in a bibliotherapy/poetry group in an older adult inpatient mental health assessment and treatment ward. Issue 4 (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chamberlain, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of poetry therapy. Volume 32:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: Acute mental health -- alternative interventions -- bibliotherapy -- group therapy -- older adult -- poetry -- qualitative methodology; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 615.8516
• DOI: 10.1080/08893675.2019.1639879
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0889-3675

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Bibliotherapy has developed from prescribed self-help books from a clinician to groups where a selection of poetry is read aloud. There is little research on the benefit of a reading group on an older adult psychiatric ward. This research aims to identify the experiences of participants in a reading group, investigating the value of reading aloud. Ten 1 hour groups were run on a psychiatric ward. Using phenomenographic methods participants were interviewed and the transcripts analysed. There were 39 attendances with 15 different people attending. Of the 15 people who attended 4 consented to take part in the research. Of those interviewed experiences emerged of empathy, confidence, and identity. Reading aloud increased confidence and a sense of self-identity. Using themes, topics could be discussed and feelings and emotions articulated in a safe and supportive environment. However further research is suggested before Bibliotherapy is recommended as part of routine clinical practice.