| Abstract: | A group for mothers who feared they would abuse their children was established at Queen Victoria Medical Centre, Melbourne in 1974. Its success has led to additional groups being set up. The circumstances and attitudes of these mothers are described, the group organization is discussed and the group process is analyzed.The mothers attending these groups come from an economically and socially deprived section of the community. The groups provide a nurturing and hopeful atmosphere. This has facilitated the mothers' abilities to reach valuable insights about their feelings and behaviour, and to develop their ego strengths. Consequently they have learned to exercise greater control over their behaviour and therefore to separate emotion from action, and as a result they are less likely to abuse their child either physically or emotionally.A pragmatic approach is adopted by the therapist. Pertinent information is provided, relevant theories are invoked, and community facilities utilized whenever appropriate to meet the diverse needs of these potentially abusing mothers.These groups have fulfilled their preventive function, and the relationship between mother and child has improved. |
