Buku Harian Positif bagi Orang dengan Gangguan Suasana Hati Bipolar : Studi Pendahuluan

Abstract

Impact of bipolar mood disorder includes three domains, namely the clinical domain, functional domain, and cost domain. Psychological coping becomes important to reduce the impact of disorder. A preliminary study of the 5 members from Bipolar Care Indonesia in Semarang showed their tendency to use emotion-focused coping which were temporary and didn't lead to the event’s appraisal improvement or the use of problem-focused coping. Subjects showed interest to release negative emotions through various techniques, both socially and individually oriented, and then get the satisfaction from emotional tension decrease but not increase positive emotions, so that decision making were poor and not reduce the chances of relapse. Instead of providing support and appreciation for their positive assets, forgive, and increasing gratitude for the events, subjects were more focused on negative emotions and thoughts even sunk to the 'sick role'. Positive diary intervention is designed to increase positive emotions among patients with bipolar disorder, involves: (1) group counseling and psychoeducation session to increase self-awareness, (2) monitoring and evaluation of relaxation techniques, and (3) daily expressive positive writing about self positive assets, forgiving attitude and gratitude. Data from tryout module is analized using qualitative methods and showed that the intervention can enhance positive emotions. Keywords: positive diary, positive emotions, bipolar disorder, group counseling, relaxation, positive assets, forgiveness, gratitude