A qualitative analysis of women's experiences in single-gender versus mixed-gender substance abuse group therapy

Shelly F. Greenfield, Amanda M. Cummings, Laura E. Kuper, Sara B. Wigderson, Mirka Koro-Ljungberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present study of women with substance use disorders used grounded theory to examine women's experiences in both the Women's Recovery Group (WRG) and a mixed-gender Group Drug Counseling (GDC). Semi-structured interviews were completed in 2005 by 28 women in a U.S. metropolitan area. Compared to GDC, women in WRG more frequently endorsed feeling safe, embracing all aspects of one's self, having their needs met, feeling intimacy, empathy, and honesty. In addition, group cohesion and support allowed women to focus on gender-relevant topics supporting their recovery. These advantages of single-gender group therapy can increase treatment satisfaction and improve treatment outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)750-760
Number of pages11
JournalSubstance Use and Misuse
Volume48
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2013

Keywords

  • Group therapy
  • Substance use disorders
  • Treatment outcomes
  • Women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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