Neuman Systems Model-based psychoeducation for psychological distress and coping in spouses of intensive care unit...

Spouses of critically ill people often face higher levels of stress and psychological distress than other family members.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a Neuman Systems Model (NSM)-based psychoeducation program for stress management on psychological distress, coping strategies, and experiences of spouses of intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

This technical action research study was conducted with 14 spouses of mechanically ventilated ICU patients in a state hospital. An NSM-based psychoeducation program was delivered to spouses through six individual face-to-face sessions while the patients were hospitalised in the ICU. Quantitative data were collected using the Psychological Distress Scale and the Coping Styles Scale before and after intervention, while qualitative data were gathered post intervention. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse the quantitative data, and thematic and descriptive analysis techniques were applied to the qualitative data.

The participants' psychological distress levels decreased (p = 0.002). Scores for the self-confident (p = 0.001), optimistic (p = 0.003), and social support-seeking (p = 0.001) coping styles increased, whereas scores for the helpless (p = 0.001) and submissive (p = 0.020) coping styles decreased. Three main themes and 13 subthemes were identified from the qualitative data. The most frequently reported coping strategies were expressing emotions, acceptance, and seeking social support. The most frequently reported emotional responses were reduced anxiety and empowerment in coping. Participants also expressed a need for psychosocial support.

The findings of this study suggested that psychoeducation based on the NSM may contribute to reduced psychological distress and improved coping styles among spouses of patients in the ICU. Following the intervention, participants most frequently reported emotional expression, acceptance, and seeking social support as coping strategies, alongside reduced anxiety and greater coping confidence. Further research in larger studies with appropriate comparison groups is needed to investigate these preliminary findings and determine the long-term impact of this intervention.

The study reporting followed the Checklist for Assessing Quality in Action Research.