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This thesis presented a model of an existential and psychoeducational support group that integrates spirituality to support women of color as they go through the midlife transition and into middle adulthood. Women can experience increased stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation due to the various challenges of midlife. This paper reviewed the research that examined how women of color in the United States are often marginalized, with limited access to culturally relevant psychological health care services; in addition, these women also face a cultural stigma attached to seeking counseling. The review of literature suggests that counselors should be informed of the challenges and of the spiritual coping resources of midlife women of color. The proposed 20-week psychotherapy group aims to support women by maximizing a sense of community, self-awareness, self-growth, and freedom, given the limitations of their environment. Further research is recommended to assess the effectiveness of this approach.
Advisor: | Fleuridas, Colette |
Commitee: | Krafcik, Drew, Sindt, Christopher, Thomas, Suzy |
School: | Saint Mary's College of California |
Department: | School of Education |
School Location: | United States -- California |
Source: | MAI 57/01M(E), Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Counseling Psychology |
Keywords: | Existentialism, Group therapy, Midlife transition, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Women of color |
Publication Number: | 10272210 |
ISBN: | 978-0-355-44583-1 |