Effects of a nonviolent communication-based training program for inpatient alcoholics in South Korea

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate a communication skills program based on nonviolent communication targeted on inpatient alcoholics at the alcoholics specialized ward. Design and Methods The sample for this mixed methods quasi-experimental study comprised 47 patients who were hospitalized in the alcoholic wards of two psychiatric hospitals in South Korea. Findings The program effectively improved participants' empathy, anger expression, communication competence, and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy (p < .001). Practice implications This program could be implemented in community-based alcoholic care with the aim of preventing relapse and serve as the basis for developing similar programs for family members.