A Practical Study On Emotional Support Mutual Aid Groups For Urban Families Who Lost Their Only Chil

Since the adoption of family planning policies in the early 1980 s,the number of one-child families was increasing,after the loss of the only child passes away from a number of unexpected risks,and the loss of the only child family emerged.The loss of the only child family,as a particularly vulnerable group,is in a troubling state of emotional support in their life,against the backdrop of an increasingly demanding ageing population.The study uses the theory and techniques of mutual-help group work to help the loss of only child family to improving emotional support and explore the effectiveness of the practice.This paper based on the theory of social support network and activity theory,and uses questionnaire and interview methods to collect and analyse data on families who lost their only child in street C.The study found that families who lost only their only children in street C have inadequate emotional support problems,like lack of emotional care,weak social support,poor mental state,with needs mainly focused on affectionate support,interaction and spiritual care.A mutual-help group work service for selected members in the street to help improve the lack of emotional support for group members and build a network of emotional support for each other.During the group preparation period,the social worker selected and recruited group members according to their willingness to participate in the activities and the actual situation,assessed their needs,determined the group’s objectives and formulated a group plan based on the information collected on the current situation of emotional support for families without children.During the group formation period,the social worker guided the group members to get to know each other,clarified their expectations and objectives,and formulated the group rules and group contract.During the group turnaround period,the social worker deepened the understanding of the group members through tea parties and food making.During the group’s maturity,the social worker cultivated the interest of the group members through knowledge learning,flower arranging and outdoor hiking activities,gradually consolidating the mutualhelp emotional support network.At the end of the group,the social worker assists the members in reviewing the group’s history,strengthening mutual-help support,and consolidating the group’s accomplishments.During the evaluation phase,the group was assessed through questionnaires and interviews.This study shows that group work can play a positive role in improving emotional support for families who lost their only child.Following the completion of group activities,a platform was built for group members to communicate and interact with one another,as well as opportunities and means for them to express their feelings,support one another emotionally,and spiritually comfort one another.The group members developed their hobbies,explored their own potential,improved their ability to use different social resources,build an emotional support network,improve their quality of life,realize their self-worth.