Joining a healing community for cancer: who and why?
This paper provides a description and evaluation of selected aspects of The Wellness California. Based upon participant observation, TWC's philosophy and program are described. The ways in which charismatic leadership is used to create a sense of 'healing charisma' is specified. Interviews were conducted at 3 points over a 10 month period with 65 individuals who initiated contact with TWC. Thirty-seven eventually became participants at TWC, while the 28 who did not were used as a comparison group. Participants were healthier, more oriented toward self-care and less satisfied with their existing social support networks. The findings indicate the role, and limitations, of healing communities for people with chronic physical illness.
Sutherland
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CE
UCLA-School of Public Health, Dept. of Community Health Sciences 90024-1772.
Goldstein
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MS
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D013808:Therapeutic Community