Comparing Two Virtual 12 Step Self-Help Groups and Applying it to Nur
o Attend one virtual AA meeting (12 step self-help group) AND attend a second group (either a different brand of 12 step meeting OR a support group addressing a shared heath problem)
o 12 Step Self-help Groups
Examples: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Overeaters Anonymous (OA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), SLA (Sex & Love Anonymous), Shopaholics Anonymous (SA), etc.
Meetings listed as:
• “O” for open to anyone questioning an addiction or
• “C” for closed thus only those who identify having an addiction may attend.
• after departing premises, write down observations, thoughts, reflections, specific behaviors, processes apparent in group, etc., a crucial step for writing process paper.
o Attend second group for contrast and comparison; thus, second group attendance must be a different 12 Step Self-Help Group (e.g. if you went to AA first, you cannot attend AA for second, even if a different location, language, format, etc. so second group observation/participation could be NA, GA, SLA, CA, etc.)
o For those students interested in contrasting and comparing the 12-step self-help group meeting with that of a structured support group (e.g. multiple sclerosis, brain injured, cancer patients, newly divorced & dating) can opt to seek out a local support group of his/her choosing. Determine if permission from group facilitator is needed for attendance.
Write a 3-5 page (not to exceed 5) paper following 7th Edition APA format as comparing/contrasting the two groups attended (see grading rubric that follows):
o First section of paper will describe and discuss the differences and similarities in structure and function between the two groups. Discuss purpose of the group in relation to your observations. What rationale exists for attendance? perceived benefits from attendance? perceived detriments from attendance? demographics forming group (e.g. gender, age range, diversity of demographics, locals)? group cohesion or division? met group objective for meeting? Analyze impact of group on identified health problem.
o Second section of the paper will discuss applicability of the group within scope of professional psychiatric nursing.
Paper should be rooted in Chapter 13 Group Interventions in Boyd (2018) Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice. However, students will need go to nursing literature to validate an assumption or observation; thus, students’ group process papers are expected to have citations beyond just textbook.
