The Process of Change: Listening to Transformation in Meaning Perspectives of Adults in Arthritis Health Education Groups

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study explored client experiences in two different arthritis education groups to develop an understanding of meaningful group experiences in the process of change leading to desired health outcomes. METHOD: A qualitative framework with an inductive, descriptive, phenomenological method guided the study. Ten participants with rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis were recruited. Individual and focus group interviews provided descriptions of experiences. RESULTS: Arthritis education group experiences led to improved client perceptions of ability to cope with chronic disease through a process of change in feelings, values and beliefs known as meaning perspectives. The change in meaning perspectives occurred through perceptions about disease, self and illness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study provides important insights into the client's process of change in meaning perspectives that can lead to health behaviors and desired health outcomes. The study demonstrates the use of the group context as a tool to enable the process of change.