Development of sense of coherence during two group interventions

Abstract

Burnout is a serious occupational hazard. This study investigated the possibility to develop an effective salutogenic group intervention among employees suffering from severe burnout symptoms. Participants consisted of employees aged 31 to 59 years working in different public service occupations, such as police officers, tax officers, (and other public service officers), and assigned to three different groups: analytic (N = 25), psychodramatic (N = 24) and controls (N = 28). The intervention comprised 16 separate days over a nine-month period. Changes in sense of coherence (SOC) were measured four times with the 13-item Orientation to Life Questionnaire during the intervention and at six-month follow-up, and analyzed by general linear model (GLM) and using Cohen's d to estimate effect sizes. Change in SOC between the three groups was statistically significant (F(4,148) = 2.65, p = 0.036). The psychodrama group showed a higher increase in SOC than the analytic group during the intervention, while the improvement in the analytic group was significant during the six-month follow-up. Total effect size from baseline to follow-up was in the analytic group 0.71, in the psychodrama group 0.47, and in the control group from baseline to end of intervention 0.09. The results show that it is possible to improve SOC by group intervention in the occupational healthcare context. The dialogue-based analytic method and action-based psychodramatic method differ in their specific effects.

Public Health Citizen Science; Perceived Impacts on Citizen Scientists: A Case Study in a Low-Income Neighbourhood in the Netherlands

“…No significant change of SOC scores occurred. Although other studies have demonstrated that an increase of SOC scores is possible, this requires intensive interventions focused on empowerment and development of reflection capabilities (Super et al 2015, Kähönen et al 2012, Vastamäki et al 2009). The "Healthy Slotermeer" project probably lacked that high degree of intensiveness.…”

The Handbook of Salutogenesis

“…Within an occupational context, Kahonen et al (2012) reported on two group interventions (psychodramatic and analytic) promoting SOC in an occupational healthcare context. The psychodrama method was based on socio and psychodramatic techniques, such as drawing, music, and writing, and muscle relaxation and exercises using the imagination.…”

“…These interventions highlight the factors that develop SOC throughout the lifespan and emphasize the flexibility of the construct and its potential influences (Janik & Kroger, 2007;Kahonen, Naatanen, Tolvanen, & Salmela-Aro, 2012;Pallasch & Hameyer, 2008). The following provides examples of interventions promoting SOC in different contexts.…”

The Salutogenic Model: The Role of Generalized Resistance Resources

“…These interventions highlight the factors that develop SOC throughout the lifespan and emphasize the flexibility of the construct and its potential influences (Janik & Kroger, 2007;Kahonen, Naatanen, Tolvanen, & Salmela-Aro, 2012;Mayer & Boness, 2011;Pallasch & Hameyer, 2008). The following provides examples of interventions promoting SOC in different contexts.…”