The Effects of Group Counseling Utilizing Narrative Therapy on Self-esteem, Stress Response, and Insight for Individuals with Alcohol Dependency

Abstract

Alcoholism is a serious problem that is difficult to treat. This study investigated the effects of group counseling utilizing narrative therapy on self-esteem, stress response, and insight for alcoholism. We utilized a nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, Chi-squared test, independent and paired t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA. The experimental group showed significant improvements in self-esteem (F = 14.03, p < .001), stress response (F = 4.31, p <.05), and insight (F = 21.27, p < .001) after the intervention compared with the control group. Additionally, there were significant improvements in self-esteem (t = −6.32, p < .05), stress response (t = 4.93, p < .05), and insight (t = −5.02, p <. 05) within the experimental group after the intervention. Thus, narrative therapy is recommended as an autonomous regulation approach for developing strengths necessary to refrain from alcoholism.