Psychiatric residents' experience about Balint groups: A qualitative study using phenomenological approach in Iran

Previous research has shown that Balint group is effective in the professional and personal development of residents. The aim of this study was to investigate the experience of psychiatric residents about Balint groups.

This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Seven sessions of the Balint groups were held with a number of psychiatric residents at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Two of the leaders were psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Finally, eight in-depth semi-structured interviews and focused group interview were conducted. Data were collected by tape recorded interviews. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA-10 software.

Three main themes were obtained from the interviews that included "Early experiences", "Touching the Balint group" and "Relationship with Balint group". The category of "Early experiences" included three categories of "defenseless", "fire under the ashes" and "deep feeling". Touching the Balint group theme included categories such as "Empathetic", "I am not the only one ...", "Releasing", "Reading story", "This patient", and "Getting closer". The relationship with Balint group theme included three categories of "first of all", "attachment" and "courage and time".

Based on the findings of this study, while some aspects of Balint group are stressful but ultimately improve the emotions and better understanding of the patient. This research shows incorporating Balint group into the educational program and curriculum of psychiatric residents in Iran might be helpful, but more qualitative and quantitative research is necessary.