Empowerment Group Intervention with Women Surviving Violence: Randomized Mixed-Methods Trial

ÖZMETE E., AKGÜL GÖK F., SERPEN A. S., Akgun C., Aktas E. Y.

RESEARCH ON SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1177/10497315251386751
  • Dergi Adı: RESEARCH ON SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, Education Abstracts, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose To determine whether an eight-week empowerment group boosts mindfulness-based self-efficacy, self-compassion, and authenticity in women survivors of violence.Method A sequential explanatory mixed-methods randomized controlled design was used. Twenty volunteers (25-65 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 10) or wait-list control group (n = 10). The intervention cohort attended weekly 90-min sessions. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-test with the Mindfulness-Based Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Authenticity Scale. Independent t-tests and Wilcoxon tests evaluated change; session field notes and exit interviews underwent thematic analysis.Results Relative to controls, participants showed significant gains in self-efficacy (p = .002), self-compassion (p = .001), and authenticity (p = .009). Qualitative data revealed that the group provided a safe setting to voice trauma and rebuild coping through mutual support.Conclusion Empowerment-focused group work strengthens key psychosocial resources and supports the recovery trajectories of women affected by violence.