The Effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy on the Self- Efficacy and Psychological Wellbeing of Children with Thalassemia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing / Menoufia University, Egypt

2 Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: thalassemia affects a patient’s psychological state and exerts adverse effects on the
mental health of patients and their families. The chronic nature of thalassemia transforms varied
aspects of patients’ lives, including their self-efficacy. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the
effectiveness of positive psychotherapy on self-efficacy and psychological wellbeing of children
with thalassemia Methods: A quasi-experimental, single-group, pre- and post- test design was
applied to accomplish the study objective. The study was conducted at an outpatient clinic at
Menoufia University hospital in Shebin Elkom in Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of 60
thalassemic children was selected from the above mentioned environment. Data were gathered via
two tools: the psychological wellbeing scale for children (PWB-c) and the self-efficacy for
managing chronic disease 6-item scale. Additionally, socio-demographic data were collected, and
therapy sessions were conducted. Results: a positive and significant correlation was found between
the self-efficacy and psychological wellbeing of the studied children immediately after and one
month following the intervention. A highly statistically significant improvement was noted in the
total mean scores of both the self-efficacy and psychological wellbeing of studied children
immediately after and 1-month after the intervention at p-value (<0.001). Conclusion: The
implementation of positive psychotherapy proved constructive in enhancing the self-efficacy and
psychological wellbeing of children with thalassemia. Recommendations: First, positive
psychotherapy should be applied in specialized disease centers to increase the self-efficacy and
psychological wellbeing of clinic workers as well as thalassemic children.
Second, the scope of
positive psychotherapy should be expanded to all treatment levels

Keywords