A Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) intervention model to facilitate hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors at community clinics in Gauteng : a mixed methods study

Abstract

This study examined hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors at community-based clinics in Gauteng, in order to develop a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) intervention model which may facilitate hope and subjective well-being. To meet this aim, a multiphase mixed methods research design was implemented. During Phase I, a cross-sectional survey design was employed to determine the incidence of hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors (n = 120). A biographical questionnaire and questionnaires measuring hope, positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were administered. During Phases II and III, a multiple case study design was implemented to describe SFBT and explore the experience of hope and subjective well-being, during and after exposure to SFBT, among a small group of trauma survivors (n = 7). Qualitative data, collected from therapeutic sessions and semi-structured individual interviews, were thematically analysed. During Phase IV, findings were integrated with existing literature to develop an SFBT intervention model that could facilitate hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors. Results from Phase I suggested that the participants experienced low levels of hope, positive affect, and life satisfaction. High levels of negative affect, as well as symptoms of depression and PTSD were evident. In Phases II and III, qualitative data indicated that SFBT contributed towards participants’ experience of hope and subjective well-being. In particular, the therapeutic conversation; empathy and acceptance in therapy; visualising a better future; and focusing on strengths instead of the trauma, facilitated these experiences. Accordingly, an SFBT model, “Journey of Possibilities”, was proposed to facilitate hope and subjective well-being among trauma survivors.