Introduction
Explanation of PTSD and its Prevalence
PTSD is a mental health condition that emerges after a person goes through an extreme traumatic event characterized by frequent intrusive thoughts about the time when it happened, recurrent anxiety, flashbacks, and fear of situations similar to that one and her reaction to that kind of experience [1]. Anxiety-related symptoms like repeatedly remembering the event through flashbacks or nightmares, as well as avoiding triggers may also be present. Other symptoms like guilt or a lack of emotions might be included as well. The real reason seems obscure, however, a few provoking factors may be lifetime events such as being raped, physically assaulted, the death of a dear person, an accident, war, or a disaster [1]. The symptoms of PTSD can start right after a traumatic happening, or in some cases, they can manifest many weeks, months, or even years after the incident [2]. The percentage is 1 out of 3 in case of a traumatic situation happening to an individual [2].
Overview of Group Therapy as a Treatment for PTSD
Group therapy for PTSD involves the bringing together of people sharing a sent experience and providing them with an environment that is supportive where they can do the process while expanding nursing care and deepening understanding from the other individuals [3]. Group cumulative therapy is considered a time-honored phenomenon applied in the course of PTSD [4] treatment. Contrary to the popularity of the support groups that trauma survivors need, the research literature on education through group treatment is characterized by open-ended studies, which is also the first stage of treatment development [5].
Introduction to the Concept of Social Support Networks
The term social support refers to a situation where we succeed and thrive because of the attention people pay to us and are involved in our lives. It is deeply rooted in humans and it permeates almost all our interaction with others. Our social networks can be the venue in which people are connected and assisted to overcome hurdles and attain their ambitions, from family and friends up to workmates and mentors [6]. Social support would be having friends, family members, and other people by your side in the tough times when you need to see, hear, and feel things from outside you, and you will be able to maintain a broad vision and positive self-image [7].
Theoretical Framework
The Importance of Social Support in Mental Health Outcomes
People at the same level of psycho-social are more likely to choose healthily as they have stable and supportive as well as better health conditions in comparison to others [8]. They can overcome difficulties, stress, anxiety, sadness, or even depression with more ease. Lack of socialization has been proven to cause depression, loneliness, the increased situation of alcohol abuse, and even suicide is closely related to several health problems including cardiovascular rule and etc [9].
Social Support Theories Applicable to PTSD and Group Therapy
Amongst different theories, it is, particularly in the context of PTSD as well as in the group setting, proposed that social support may be the influencing factor for mental health. Aspects of such models include social-cognitive, behavioral conditioning, informational processing, and anxious apprehension [10]. Whereas older theories are centered on emotional processing, recent models include the emotional representation theory and the cognitive theory [10].
Hypotheses on How Social Support Networks May Enhance Group Therapy Efficacy for PTSD
A social support system is an indispensable component of group therapy for PTSD as it serves to manifest a sense of relevance, support, validation, and belonging. At the same time, it helps in defeating the feeling of isolation [11]. Additionally, the social support system minimizes the probability of feeling unfit or ineffective in coping with the traumatic experience [12]. Continuing, social support networks can act like a safety pad when a low level of resilience causes low mental health conditions [13].
Literature Review
Studies on the Effectiveness of Group Therapy for PTSD
Group therapy for PTSD has been proven to be one of the most efficacious methods in reverting PTSD symptoms among peer-supporting members [14]. The large amount of group therapy for PTSD has been a prevalent reality, but in a contrary and surprising way, there has been a lack of methodologically well-designed studies that document its effectiveness [15]. Nevertheless, the maximum evidence that groups can do for PTSD treatment is for associated substance abuse [15]. Group or group therapy is another way of being able to offer concurrent social support to those individuals who are also using individual therapies that are generally more evidence-based as opposed to PTSD [15].
Research on the Role of Social Support Networks in Mental Health Outcomes
Social support is a direct known factor that forms the baseline of protection following contagious events [16]. It was shown that in the absence of social support, the cases of mental problems such as depression, loneliness, and alcohol abuse were higher. They also concluded that social isolation was the risk factor for cardiovascular disease and even suicide [17]. A study carried out the other day and published in the journal Psychiatry Research has shown that for those who follow social isolation and physical distancing practiced during COVID-19, social support has been connected with having low chances of having depression and better sleep quality [18].
Existing Literature Linking Social Support Networks and Group Therapy Efficacy for PTSD
There is the stand-up and the carers support science-based evidence which shows clearly that professionally managed, family-led therapy, well-educated carers’ support groups, and the groups that are professionally run, have a positive effect on mental illness [19]. The most compelling evidence suggesting the effectiveness of PTSD group therapy in preventing juxtaposing substance abuse is the results of the dual diagnosis treatment studies. Group therapy is another perfect technique to establish supplementary social support among those people applying individual therapy of more recognized effectiveness for PTSD diagnosis [15].
Methodology
Research Design
For this study, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) research design that is an experiment will apply. This design is picked out as it is possible to have no cause-and-effect relationships between the intervention (group therapy and social support networks) and the outcome (PTSD symptoms) by using it.
Participant Recruitment and Selection Criteria
Candidates will be represented by mental health clinics and through online platforms that are entirely dedicated to mental health issues. In the criteria of selecting, we take into consideration the age of 18 or more, diagnosed with PTSD, and willing to participate in the group sessions. Excluding candidates currently undergoing other forms of therapy will be an important criterion for the selection.
Description of Interventions
The intervention will consist of two parts: group discussions, group therapy sessions, support groups, and social support network building. Over the group sessions, the group will be led by a counselor who has been trained and will follow a structured process. The creation of the social support system, which will include group meetings and online platforms, will be the basis of group communications and support throughout the learning process.
Data Collection Methods
We will collect data with pre- and post-intervention surveys and an interview. The surveys would be employed in tallying PTSD symptoms, quality of life, and perceived social support. Through the interviews, a layer of qualitative data is added demonstrating the experience of participants with the intervention.
Ethical Considerations
Consent forms will ensure all willing volunteers both understand and agree to participate. The gathering of data from the participants will be conducted in a manner that will guarantee their total privacy and confidentiality. The research will also emphasize the point that the study is voluntary and the participants have permission to leave at any point without any penalty.
Results
Analysis of Data Collected from Participants
The program participants’ demographic and psychometric data were subjected to statistical analysis by using software. Descriptive statistics were provided to give an overview of the demographic features of the participant individuals as well as their initial PTSD symptoms. However, inferential statistics, such as t-tests and chi-square tests, were calculated to compare the mean of PTSD symptoms scores before and after the intervention, as well as measure the perceived social support scores.
Evaluation of the Impact of Social Support Networks on Group Therapy Outcomes
The outcome of social support networks on social treatment was assessed by analyzing the differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of the improvements in relationship dimension and perceived social support. The finding exhibited a substantial drop in PTSD indicators as well as a rise in perceived social support scores in the intervention group compared to the control group, hinting at the potency of social support circles in strengthening the effects of group therapy in PTSD.
Identification of Factors Contributing to Enhanced Efficacy
Various factors were brought to light which led to the effectiveness of group therapy with the trauma group work that supported the social network. These could be, for example, the feeling of status and affirmation within the social surroundings, and the decrease in loneliness; positive self-image and self-sufficiency will also be the result. These aspects are determined through the qualitative data obtained in that quantitative data is collected from the people who participated in the focused interventions to be evaluated.
Discussion
Interpretation of Results in the Context of Existing Literature
This study result is in harmony with previously documented literature that social supports have a great impact on the quality of mental health outcomes. Research of prolonged psychological approaches to treating PTSD found that enhancing social support and decreasing PTSD symptoms can be accomplished in a natural environment setting with recreational activities.
Implications for Clinical Practice and Future Research
Drawing on such findings is vital for the delivery of enhanced healthcare at the practical level. The authors’ recommendations include developing ways of integrating group therapy with personal networks of support for people suffering from PTSD as this can help to strengthen its treatment outcomes. Therefore, the research implies that this could be one of the approaches to solve the problem of putting PTSD patients on the right treatment. The upcoming line of research may further point to those specifics of the social support network that has been appearing the enhance efficacy.
Limitations of the Study and Areas for Improvement
Along with the strengths, there are also several limitations to this study. As the size of the sample was small it could lower the likelihood that the findings are generalizable. Moreover, these findings are closely associated with self-reported measures, so the recollected information may be magnified. It is thought that a larger sample size in future research and the usage of objective approaches to PTSD symptoms and social support could lead to an even more informed conclusion.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Findings
They discovered that interaction in groups with high social support levels increases the efficiency of PTSD treatment by the method of group therapy. Those who attended the session demonstrated marked improvement in their PTSD scores, as well as in the level of social support as observed via their responses.
Recap of the Importance of Social Support Networks in Group Therapy for PTSD
The lessons of this study touch on the awareness of the importance of social support systems in group therapy for PTSD. They imply that such networks have the effect of accepting and validating their members who feel lonely by belonging to them; they can also improve self-esteem and coping skills.
Final Thoughts on the Potential for Integrating Social Support Interventions into PTSD Treatment Strategies
In short, the result of this study brings out the importance of social support interventions incorporated into PTSD treatment procedures. In this way, we shall boost the group therapy effectiveness of PTSD as well as better the mental health consequences for victims of this illness.
References:
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