Abstract
This study investigated whether teaching HIV/AIDS Health Educators about Viktor Frankl’s theory of finding meaning in life, results in a significant improvement in their psychological well-being. The participants were 24 volunteers from the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) cluster of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in South Africa (age range = 20–39 years, females = 67 %, majority ethnicity = 58 % Sotho speaking). The study was both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative data was collected using Purpose in Life Test (PIL) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-IA). In addition, qualitative data was collected on the participants’ subjective experience of development in creative potential. A one group pretest–posttest design was employed. The quantitative data was analysed using a non-parametric test procedure for small sample size designs. The qualitative data was analysed by means of themes. The researcher discovered that a sense of meaning intervention seems to result in significant improvement in levels of meaning, and a decrease in depressive symptoms among participants. Consequently, the findings indicate that it is possible to support front line health workers in their search for meaning by means of a meaning-centred intervention, and that this helps to alleviate depressive symptoms. Similarly, meaning-centred intervention seems to be a promising intervention for instilling resilience amongst front line health workers, who provide a valuable voluntary service in the community. Participants indicated they could apply the theory to their personal lives. More importantly, they would use the skills they have acquired in their duties.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.