Abstract:

For Chinese women in Taiwan, the impact of modernization has created an unavoidable learning process on the way toward autonomy and individuality. They have struggled between conformity and rebellion with their traditional Chinese culture for more than half a century. The Satir Model was characterized as an experiential and growing approach to change through the field of family therapy. The objective of this research project has been to look at the process of how the 24 Taiwanese women experienced an educational program based on the Satir Model, and what they have learned about themselves and the group process.

This project has been designed as participant action research. The participants, as co-researchers, offered their journal and oral feedback during each session of the group process to adjust the development of the program. They were interviewed about their learning and changes after the program.

By analyzing the journal of the participants and the researcher, the audiotapes of group process, and the transcripts of post-group interviews, several main themes were identified. First, the causes for the “urge” to change towards self-growth come from group interaction and personal commitment. Secondly, nondefensive acceptance of those in one's family of origin can be the turning point for generating an urge towards self-growth. Thirdly, in the process toward self-growth, awareness and reflection are critical factors. Their internal transformation-changing one's mind, the authority issue and the way that Taiwanese women learned- were discussed as findings.

Keywords: SATIR; TAIWAN; WOMEN; FAMILY THERAPY; MODERNIZATION; AUTHORITY; EDUCATION

Document Type: Research article