'n Selfontwikkelingsprogram vir 'n groep eerstejaar obese damesstudente

Abstract

In the field of nursing and more specifically psychiatric nursing, mental health, primary health care and the optimalization of human potentia l a r e playing a greater role lately. In the practice of health services it presently found that t he approach is more reactive than action orientated. The purpose of this study is not only to pr event mental disease, but also to promote mental health, through the optimalization of human growth potential. Psychological factors play a vital part in the etiology of obesity and the growth psychotherapy approach shows the highest prognostic value as method of therapy. The small group experience, with its stress on self-development is regarded as a highly effective technique for the facilitation of self-insight and the elimination of destructive, neurotic behaviour patterns. For the purpose of this study, a self-development programme was compiled in accordance with the requirements specified in the literature, and applied to a group of obese female students. The experimental design comprised a pre, post and after three months evaluation with physical and psychological measuring-instruments on an experimental and control group.

The self-development programme led to the following changes in behaviour : increased self-regard and capacity for intimate contact and spontaneity, increased self-confidence and self-worthiness, a decrease in nervousness and better general social adaptation. This self-development programme led to no significant mass increase or decrease. From these results , recommendations were formulated. The primary recommendation is that in any mass reducing program special attention must be given to the physical and psychological characteristics of the person.