Economic Development through Psychosocial Interventions: Community Based Socio-therapy Program in Muhanga District, Rwanda

Abstract

In the literature it is argued that standard economic strategies may be inappropriate in a country emerging from violent conflict in which social capital is seriously damaged (UNDP, 2009) since the level of social capital plays a significant part in shaping the outcomes of economic action at both macro and micro levels (Rodrik, 1998). This study aimed at assessing the contribution of the psychosocial intervention through community based sociotherapy program, to economic development in the post-conflict setting of Rwanda. To achieve that goal, the study assessed the contribution of psychological wellbeing, social connection and family dynamics to economic development. To ensure that the problem is explored in an effective way, this study employed mixed methods design, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study used a sample of 111 respondents, which includes sociotherapy participants and some key informants. The data collection process used questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews and observations. The qualitative data were transcribed, categorized into themes and analyzed. The quantitative data were processed through SPSS software and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations model. The findings show that sociotherapy contributes a lot to the psychological wellbeing of people. New feelings and thoughts work as a source of energy and power to improve one's economic development. Sociotherapy increases also trust among people, who subsequently  start grasping the benefits from social networks (social capital), like expanding skills, accessing information, and joining efforts for their development either at the family level (bonding) or at the wider community level (bonding and bridging). The findings also show that there is a significant positive correlation between psychosocial intervention and economic development.