Comparison of the Effectiveness of “Reality Therapy” and “Narrative Therapy” on the Feeling of Loneliness of Female-Headed Households

Women heads of households sometimes feel lonely and helpless due to the many responsibilities of life. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of “Reality Therapy” and “Narrative Therapy” on the loneliness of women heads of households. 

The method of the present study was quasi-experimental with pretest, posttest and follow-up with control group. The statistical population of this study consists of women heads of households under the auspices of the Bojnourd province Veterans and Martyrs Affair Foundation (VMAF) was included in 2020. 45 of them were selected by convenience sampling method. Then, they were randomly divided into two intervention groups and one control group by lottery method. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the “UCLA Loneliness Scale” (Version 3). Content validity was calculated by qualitative method and reliability by internal consistency method by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The first intervention group received “Reality Therapy” and the second intervention group received “Narrative Therapy” in 8 sessions and the control group was on the waiting list to receive the intervention. Data analysis was analyzed in SPSS. 21. 

“Reality Therapy” and “Narrative Therapy” were effective on the loneliness of women heads of households (P <0.05). Comparison of 2 interventions showed that there is a significant difference between the effectiveness of “Reality Therapy” and “Narrative Therapy” on reducing loneliness in women-headed households and “Narrative Therapy” has been more effective on reducing loneliness over time (P <0.05).

“Narrative Therapy” over time has played an effective role in reducing the loneliness of women-headed households. It is recommended that this treatment be performed to reduce feelings of loneliness in other women heads of households and similar groups.