Examined the predictive relationship of three variables to the birth and death of mutual-help groups for a statewide New Jersey sample of 3,152 groups over a 2-year period. The three variables studied were group affiliation with a national mutual-help organization, local professional involvement in group activities, and group members' type of focal problem. Log-linear logit analysis revealed that the best-fitting model included Affiliation Status x Professional Involvement, and Affiliation Status x Focal Problem interactions. Among unaffiliated groups, professional involvement was related to lower group mortality, while among affiliated groups it was related to higher group mortality. Unaffiliated behavior control groups had higher odds for mortality and for birth than either unaffiliated life stress groups or unaffiliated medical groups. Among main effect findings, unaffiliated groups had consistently higher odds for birth than affiliated groups. The implications for research and action are discussed.

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This article describes the programs (including consultative services) offered by the New Jersey Clearinghouse which are designed to address seven primary needs or goals of self-help and professional helper constituencies: e.g., promoting the in creased identification, awareness, utilization, development, understanding, profes sional interface, and networking of MASH groups. The New Jersey model relies on a computerized IBM System 34 operation, embracing a state-wide data base, a printed self-help group directory as well as toll-free telephone lines within New Jersey.

A framework for analyzing relationships between self-help groups and systemic organizational support is presented and two afiliation hypotheses tested. Selfhelp group birthrates in New Jersey over an 18-month period exceeded death rates. AfJiliated groups greatly outnumbered independent groups but the birthratefor the latter was higher. Death rates for diflerent types of groups were similar, except for Alcoholics Anonymous groups, which had a higher survival rate.

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Notes the growing number of mutual self-help groups (MASH) in the United States and outlines five ways in which clergy may be involved in them: (1) as a referral source, (2) as an initiator of such groups, (3) as a provider of meeting space for the groups, (4) as a supporter of religious organizations' self-help efforts, and (5) by initiating self-help groups for clergy themselves. Provides a current list of Self-Help Clearinghouses in the United States.

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