Devaluation dynamics and gender bias in women's groups

Provision of psychiatric mental health nursing care, specifically care involving women and group therapy, often aligns with the prevailing theoretical perspectives that dominate the treatment setting. When psychiatric mental health nurses fail to question the underlying assumptions of care, they may actively participate in care processes that perpetuate gender bias and devaluation of women. This article, based on the author's experience in a long-term therapy group for women, highlights group dynamics that reflect devaluation. Suggested guiding principles provide direction for valuing the feminine and confronting systemic gender bias in group work with women.