engleski

The efect of family interventions on self-esteem, loneliness and defense mechanisms

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether psychotherapeutic process leads to changes in self-esteem and loneliness among group participans, and does it result with the use of mature defense mechanisms. METHOD: This study included family members who participated in group psychodynamic psychotherpay within Early Intervention Program for young psychotic patients . Participants (N=25) from two psychodynamic groups filled out Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale, Loneliness Scale and Life Style Questionnaire at the onset and after two years after participation in group psychodynamic psychotherapy. RESULTS: We found statistically significant increase in self-esteem (p=0.000) and significant decrease in loneliness (p=0.000) after two years, as well as significant decrease in use of all defense mechanisms (reactive formation, denial, regression, compensation, projection, intellectualization, displacement), except repression. CONCLUSION: Initially expressed loneliness and low self-esteem as a result of feelings of guilt caused by psychotic disorder of affected member and feelings of shame and fear because of the presence of the disease during psychotherapy gradually were replaced by a feeling of greater self-esteem and decreased feelings of loneliness Reducing anxiety and fear are correlated with a reduction in the use of the dominant defense mechanisms.

family interventions; self-esteem; loneliness; defense mechanisms; early intervention

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