This article analyzes the development of a support group for young male spinal cord‐injured (SCI) clients. Both Goffman's theoretic framework of spoiled identity and Erikson's developmental model are used to guide this analysis. The most useful structure of a support group for young SCI male clients seems to be one that focuses on active mastery of various obstacles that need to be overcome. The topics that emerged in working with this support group over a period of 24 months focused on the broad categories of developing independence, role transitions, communication and self‐expression, and the rehabilitation team. Clients who choose not to participate in support groups may need additional individual counseling in order to facilitate their later participation. Inclusion of the support group in the rehabilitation process appeared to reduce the amount of client “acting‐out” both on and off the unit; this observation merits investigation through outcome research. Additional research questions are also proposed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.