Narrative Therapy Poole, J., Gardner,

Narrative Therapy

Poole, J., Gardner, P., Flower, M. & Cooper, C. (2009). Narrative therapy, older adults, and group work?: Practice, research, and recommendations. Social Work with Groups 32: 288-302.

The researchers employed an ethnographic approach to this research, in order to better understand the life issues and patterns that exist among older adults that are dealing with mental health issues and with misuse of alcohol and other substances. The research also set out to determine the effectiveness, scope, and specific indicators for group narrative therapy techniques, individual versions of which use certain prompts and other methods that lead patients in a safe yet hopefully effective examination of their lives an choices in order for them to better understand their own situations and problems. The authors found that externalizing problems and telling alternative stories were of great benefit to individuals dealing with alcohol or drug addiction, that the setting of group meeting was highly important when it came to mod and success, and that the principles of mutual aid and group support and help are essential ingredients to successful narrative therapy with this particular demographic group.

The qualitative design of this research was that of an ethnographic study, where the researchers examined and observed study participants as wholly and as completely as possible, without real bounds on the observations collected. Questions and prompts were used as a part of the therapy employed, but this was not an interview research design. Instead, total observation of the subjects was made during the entire group narrative therapy. Responses during therapy and signs of progress were also important, but were not central to the research any more than anything else.

A qualitative approach to the research was definitely indicated above a quantitative approach for several reasons, not the least of which is the type of therapy being employed and the types of outcomes expected. Because narrative therapy techniques are by their very nature deeply personalized and subjective, it is next to impossible to quantify the actions or results that occur in/come out of this therapeutic technique. Also, n order to develop the same comprehensive understanding in a quantitative way the researchers would have needed to control as many variables as possible within the situation, quantifying such things as the position of chairs, the availability/type of snacks, etc. With a qualitative approach, and especially an ethnographic approach, notes can be made on anything that seems to have an impact on the group without prior quantification and control.