OPERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT

<doi>10.24250/jpe/1/2021/MAG/GK

Abstract

People who suffer from psychiatric disabilities due to various causes face a variety of barriers to an acceptable quality of life. Studies confirm that all the problems they face are also due to the lack of personal empowerment in their lives. The concepts of self-empowerment and self-control are not yet widespread in the public mental health system, although from a legal, constitutional point of view, civil rights include full freedom and autonomy over one’s own treatment.Aim of research: This article aims to focus on the need to implement the theory of self-empowerment among specialists working with people suffering from mental disorders. This would help them acquire skills that could lead them to breaking down major barriers in personal empowerment, with potential relevance to beneficiaries. This way, the self- empowerment and self-control of beneficiaries could be implemented both within and outside of mental health systems.Methodology of research: consists of building a questionnaire with open-ended questions. It assesses the domains of competences that must be acquired by accompanying specialists in self-empowerment. The questionnaire is based on the data obtained from a scientific review of the needs of the beneficiaries, resulting from the application of the Self-determination Theory in the specialized studies carried out over the past 10 years.Results of research: are to establish the areas of competence necessary for the accompanying specialists in self-empowerment. These evaluated areas will form the basis for the construction of course modules for the training of specialists in personal empowerment.Conclusions: The skills acquired by specialists from the self-empowerment course will help them accompany people with mental health (MH) problems. Specialists will teach beneficiaries how to become independent and acquire the capacity of self-management of their own lives, by increasing intrinsic motivation.