From caterpillar to butterfly: an action research of educational program based on the Satir model for women in Taiwan

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

This project was designed as an action research. The participants, as coresearchers, 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, there were several main themes were identified. First, the causes for the "urge" to change towards self-growth come from group interaction and personal commitment. Second, non-defensive acceptance of those in one's family of origin can be the turning point for generating an urge towards self-growth. Third, in the process toward self-growth, awareness and reflection are critical factors. The internal transformation--changing one's mind, the authority issue and the way that Taiwanese women learned were discussed.