Evidence-Based Practice

3

Final Project Worksheet Part 2

Angel Brown

Master of Clinical Mental Counseling, Walden University

COURSE 6626: Research Methodology and Project Evaluation

Dr. Nicholas

July 18, 2022

Research question

Is Psychodynamic Group Therapy Model Effective for treating Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD?

Identifying relevant research

Psychodynamic group therapy is an effective psychotherapy for individuals with similar diagnoses like PTSD and personality disorders. It is based on the concept of discussing problems being experienced by individuals and how to address them. It can be executed on veterans who are identified as US residents and at one time served in the active military. On the other hand, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder often triggered by a distressing event. It may occur one month after the terrifying experience, is featured by anxiety and insomnia, and affects an individual's ability to cope with daily functioning. Regarding my research question, I identified the three articles which reveal the study methodologies used in the study and are central in answering the problem statement. They, however, include:

Article 1

Citation: Taylor Jr, W. F. (2013). Effects of solution-focused brief therapy group counseling on generalized anxiety disorder (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).

Summary:

The research study was targeted to evaluate the effectiveness of psychodynamic group therapy in managing PTSD. Since the condition is characterized by anxiety resulting from social withdrawal and absence of contact with caring people, a treatment regimen involving PGT was initiated. I used data from a quantitative research methodology that based its thesis on social- constructionism as an effective way of relieving symptoms associated with PTSD. The study was conducted amongst 30 participants where two categories of 7 individuals represented the pre and post-test groups with generalized anxiety disorder. After analyzing the results, the posttest mean was immensely lower than the pretest score conducted before the execution of the psychodynamic group therapy. The results indicated that the treatment modality was effective. In the model, the affected individuals are counseled and informed on the coping approaches to improve their daily life. The study postulated that clinical symptoms of the conditions are fully addressed in the counseling sessions, reducing sequelae (Taylor, 2013). That makes a significant implication for the use of the model in PTSD as it produces an affirmative social change in mental health status among Veterans.

Article 2

Citation: Ferguson, A. L. (2015). The Impact of Crisis Alleviation Lessons and Methods Program on Injuries in Healthcare (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).

Summary:

The article envelopes literature from qualitative research conducted after the loss of behavioral and emotional controls among patients that caused PTSD. It aimed at addressing the efficacy of PGT use among patients with behavioral crises suggestive of PTSD. The psychotherapy regimen provided a practical approach to all affected patients as it used various mechanisms that superseded the adverse effects of the disorder (Ferguson, 2015). It further allowed the group to express their fears and concerns, improving outcomes to normal mental functioning. It is, however, effective for use among veterans as it provides and facilitates dependency on sound defense mechanisms that shut the traumatic events from coming into awareness from the unconscious mind. The research also stresses on multidisciplinary approach provided by the PGT that enhances consultation, psychological support, and validation of psychotherapy services.

Article 3

Citation: Bennett, R. C. (2019). Lived Experiences of Women Receiving Substance Abuse Treatment from Male Counselors (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).

Summary:

Due to the increased prevalence of PTSD development among ill-treated women due to drug and substance abuse, qualitative research was conducted. The research endeavored to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling services rendered to the affected women, including PGT use (Bennett, 2019) by male therapists. The study cited that a deeper understanding of PTSD interventions was relayed by using the model. Similarly, the treatment modality provided detailed information on the experienced traumatic events that necessitated a change in their lifestyle to restore their mental health. The overall effects of the study involved the creation of mechanisms that reduced the impact of abuse and alteration in cognitive functionalities leading to psychological disorders. That centrally aided in improving their mental health.

Research Articles

Bennett, R. C. (2019). Lived Experiences of Women Receiving Substance Abuse Treatment from Male Counselors (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).

Ferguson, A. L. (2015). The Impact of Crisis Alleviation Lessons and Methods Program on Injuries in Healthcare (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).

Taylor Jr, W. F. (2013). Effects of solution-focused brief therapy group counseling on generalized anxiety disorder (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).