Evaluating psychosocial group counselling with afghan women: is this a useful intervention?

Data from 109 Afghan women participating in psychosocial counselling groups was analyzed to measure the groups' effects on their lives. Most participants were survivors of war-related forms of violence. Others had experienced domestic violence and some were still living under abusive circumstances while attending counselling. The evaluation took place in the group setting and each participant was asked to answer a standardized set of four open-ended questions. All answers were tabulated, coded and eventually put into themes to be analyzed. Over 90% of the participants described an improvement in their social life or their general health. This research shows that this model of psychosocial care is a useful intervention to assist Afghan women suffering from a variety of physical or emotional problems.