Helping Characteristics of Self-Help and Support Groups

Abstract

This article deals with outcomes of self-help and support groups, based on the relationships between the groups’ helping characteristics (i.e., instilling hope, caring and concern) and two variables: participants’subjective well-being and general satisfaction with the group. It was hypothesized that the contribution of the helping characteristics to the participants’subjective well-being would be mediated by the extent of their overall satisfaction with the group. The study also compared 12-step self-help groups to other support groups. The research sample consisted of 117 participants belonging to 11 groups meeting in Israel. The results supported the mediation hypothesis. Comparison of the 12-step groups and the other support groups revealed that 12-step group members were far more satisfied with the group and gave higher evaluations for most of the helping characteristics. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.

Exploring what motivates and sustains support group engagement amongst young people with allergies: A qualitative study

“…Our findings are consistent with studies amongst young people with diabetes and disability which describe how membership of support groups enabled opportunities for bonding with others similar to themselves, and how this increased a sense of belonging . In studies of adults’ with a wide variety of conditions including allergy, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and physical disabilities, benefits of patient groups are also consistent with our findings suggesting that irrespective of the underlying condition or age, support groups appear to promote a sense of community, acceptance and emotional benefit, increased self‐confidence and a decrease in isolation . Previous research has found that supportive networks lead to decreased engagement in risky behaviours, increased knowledge regarding management and an increase in treatment adherence and positive behaviours .…”

An Analysis of the Role of Overeaters Anonymous in Women's Recovery from Bulimia Nervosa

“…Overeaters Anonymous is designed around Twelve-Step philosophy, which is a structured model intended to provide a foundation for recovery. Schiff (2000) describes three central themes of the Twelve-Step process. The initial three steps involve acknowledging powerlessness and relinquishing one's life to a power that transcends oneself.…”

“…When considering the role of OA in facilitating recovery from BN, it has been found that members who have greater involvement with the group and commitment to the Twelve Steps have greater improvement in their overall well-being and better outcomes (Rorty, Yager, & Rossotto, 1993;Schiff, 2000). Although a substantial gap still remains in the literature, Westphal and Smith (1996) and Malenbaum and colleagues 1988) found that Overeaters Anonymous members experienced improvements in the emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of their life as a result of group membership.…”

“…These include in-patient and outpatient treatment and self-help approaches involving individual and group therapies, antidepressant medication, and support and self-help groups. Studies have shown that ongoing, prolonged use of recovery management strategies lead to BN symptom reduction and greater self-reported subjective well-being (Kurtz, 1997;Schiff, 2000). Because bulimia is reported as a chronic disorder in most published reports (Eckert, Halmi, Marchi, Grove, & Crosby, 1995;Strober, Freeman, & Morell, 1997) and the expense related to ongoing clinical treatment may be prohibitive for many individuals, there is a need to consider the role of self-help treatments in the ongoing recovery process of individuals with bulimia nervosa.…”

Support Groups

“…Participation in support groups has become widespread among patients and families dealing with the multitude of problems that often are related to specific diseases and injuries. According to Schiff (2000), the purpose of a support group is to provide emotional support and information to people with a common problem. Groups usually are facilitated by healthcare professionals and frequently are linked to social organizations.…”