A family systems-oriented approach to the treatment of the homeless, mentally ill, older woman.
Item
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Title
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A family systems-oriented approach to the treatment of the homeless, mentally ill, older woman.
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Identifier
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AAI9207128
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identifier
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9207128
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Creator
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Sullivan, Martha Adams.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Rebecca Donovan
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Date
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1991
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work | Psychology, Clinical | Gerontology
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Abstract
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This project demonstrates the usefulness of a particular clinical approach to work with a sub-group of the homeless, i.e. older, mentally ill women. The project sought to demonstrate the application of a family systems-oriented approach in reducing disaffiliation by strengthening social attachments. Family systems theory, particularly Bowenian and structural theory, provided the theoretical basis of this intervention. This base offered a lens for viewing homelessness within the context of the family and larger system, and provided a framework for interventions aimed at impacting affiliation status by strengthening family connection.;The study was conducted in the context of a treatment group. The participants were a multi-ethnic group of ten recently domiciled women living in a permanent residence for the homeless elderly. All were diagnosed as chronically mentally ill according to the guidelines of a state funding stream. The mean age was sixty-three (63) years and the average length of stay in the residence was six (6) months. An exploratory study, the findings strongly suggest that increasing the affiliation of older homeless, mentally ill women is far from hopeless, and that a family systems-oriented approach to their care is a useful tool.;The assessment revealed these family systems to be multi-problem and frequently addictive systems. Interventions were useful in increasing affiliations and resolving cutoffs (i.e. attempts to emotionally or physically distance oneself to solve an underlying problem of fusion), and other family conflicts related to homelessness.;Five practice principles emerged from this research, which, while derived from a clinical experience, are more broadly applicable to the provision of a range of services to this population: (1) Include an assessment of the family system as part of the assessment process. (2) Reconnect these women to their families when it is not contraindicated. (3) Design and deliver services so as to preserve remaining affiliations and promote the development of new ones. (4) Focus on enhancing self esteem and autonomy when delivering residential services. (5) Deliberately develop rules and design residential facilities which reflect women's status as mature adults and which support connection to family and significant others.;The findings of this research must be viewed in the context of the stability a residential setting offers. While the findings are strongly suggestive, they are not proven or generalizeable beyond this group.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
