Capturing Dynamic Processes of Change in GROW Mutual Help Groups for Mental Health

Abstract

The need for a model that can portray dynamic processes of change in mutual help groups for mental health (MHGMHs) is emphasized. A dynamic process model has the potential to capture a more comprehensive understanding of how MHGMHs may assist their members. An investigation into GROW, a mutual help organization for mental health, employed ethnographic, phenomenological and collaborative research methods. The study examined how GROW impacts on psychological well being. Study outcomes aligned with the social ecological paradigm (Maton in Understanding the self-help organization: frameworks and findings. Sage, Thousand Oaks 1994) indicating multifactorial processes of change at and across three levels of analysis: group level, GROW program/community level and individual level. Outcome themes related to life skills acquisition and a change in self-perception in terms of belonging within community and an increased sense of personal value. The GROW findings are used to assist development of a dynamic multi-dimensional process model to explain how MHGMHs may promote positive change.

Involvement in mental health self-help groups and recovery

“…Those who were still going to group meetings were asked to “describe why you continue going.” In line with qualitative research (e.g., Corrigan et al, 2005; Finn et al, 2009), the most frequent responses centered on benefitting from coping and support (39%). Others (21%) mentioned the need to affiliate with others (e.g., “meet others,” “not alone”), that it helps improve or maintain their mental health (17%), that it provides hope (12%), or that they can help others (5%).…”

“…Research using interviews with members of particular groups highlights the importance of reducing symptoms and increasing self-esteem in recovery (Brown, 2009; Corrigan et al, 2005; Weaver & Salem, 2005). Members also point to a supportive network of others with common experiences as facilitating recovery—a community of ‘sharing and caring’ (Corrigan et al, 2005; Finn, Bishop, & Sparrow 2009). Moreover, self-efficacy may be increased by role changes from ‘one who is helped’ to ‘one who helps others,’ and by providing successful role models (Carpinello & Knight, 1991; Weaver & Salem, 2005).…”

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of peer support for people with severe mental illness

“…In response to widespread advocacy from a range of stakeholder groups, peer support programmes have been implemented internationally [9,11,62-64]. Peer support has been positively appraised in qualitative literature as beneficial for service user recipients [65,66] and as a mechanism for challenging attitudes of clinical staff and contributing to culture change within mental health services [67].…”

Peer support for people with mental illness

“…However, the models upon which this practice is based are mentioned only in a minority of those same studies 22,32,42,43,54 . Similarly to what is observed in models, there is also a greater need for consensus regarding the goals of peer support, which, although becoming more and more associated with concepts like recovery and empowerment, are not yet fully defined.…”