Researching community‐based support networks: what policymakers should know

Abstract

Self‐help support groups (SHSGs) have a valuable role in civic society. However, it is difficult to measure their value through sole use of the positivist approaches that interest policymakers. This is because SHSGs are consumer‐driven and voluntary. Thus, they cannot be regulated by research agendas or prescribed like treatment. Although social policy has an important role in the use and availability of SHSGs, the author argues that social policy research in this field needs to demonstrate paradigmatic plurality, finding balance between positivism and participatory practices. This involves engaging with group participants to identify indicators that measure group activities and impacts; appropriate research methods; and suitable timeframes. Only through paradigmatic plurality will social policy fulfill its role in enhancing community well‐being. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stories of injustice: Towards a narrative victimology

“…Academic enquiry into mutual aid and peer support in areas adjacent to strictly victimological ones -for instance those concerning life-threatening illnesses -often fails to understand the identity-based nature and functioning of these groups (Dadich, 2009). In a mechanistic fashion, they are seen, evaluated and even criticized for their value as a therapeutic style intervention.…”

Old-age psychiatry

“…Service providers who are also service users are perceived as more sensitive to client needs, and there is a promotion of hope and an aspect of positive role-modeling which occurs (Walsh, 1996). Selfhelp groups, which are run by service users and can include professional input, have been correlated with a reduction in psychiatric symptoms, hospitalization and medication dependence (Dadich, 2009). Self help/support groups have the following components: shared experience of mental illness which develops into unique insight; the group determines their own activities; the most effective way to be helped is to give help; support is reciprocal; the focus is not on pathology but rather on inner strength; support is free and not financially driven; support is provided by social interaction; the group is not dependent on professional help, rather they can manage by themselves with the wisdom gained from experience (Dadich, 2009).…”

“…Selfhelp groups, which are run by service users and can include professional input, have been correlated with a reduction in psychiatric symptoms, hospitalization and medication dependence (Dadich, 2009). Self help/support groups have the following components: shared experience of mental illness which develops into unique insight; the group determines their own activities; the most effective way to be helped is to give help; support is reciprocal; the focus is not on pathology but rather on inner strength; support is free and not financially driven; support is provided by social interaction; the group is not dependent on professional help, rather they can manage by themselves with the wisdom gained from experience (Dadich, 2009). Lawn, Smith and Hunter (2008) studied the use of peer support groups to reduce re-admission to, and to promote early admission from, hospital, finding that people who experience mental illness (and are living well) can provide valuable support for other people with mental illness.…”

“…Previous research by Dadich (2009) indicates that service-user run services have the freedom to include professionals in their service delivery if they wish, however there is a focus on learning from the wisdom consumers" have gained through experience. Some consumers discussed the possibility for spending time with other people with mental illness as a negative experience, as there is potential for this to increase negative symptoms.…”

“…Further research into this area would be beneficial, and as consumers suggested the groups dynamics may depend significantly on the level of wellness which is within the group. Overall, participation in a service-user run group has been found to be a constructive activity as studies have found a correlation between involvement in service-user run/self-help groups and a reduction in psychiatric symptoms, hospitalisation and medication dependence (Dadich, 2009).…”