Expanding theoretical conceptualizations of self-help groups.
Self-help groups, a prevalent and significant source of social support, manifest the public-participation premise of primary health care. Yet, self-help studies have typically lacked theoretical grounding. Psychoneuroimmunological and social-learning theories could contribute to the theoretical understanding of self-help groups. As self-help groups can mitigate the impact of natural social-network losses, they could help prevent health disorders via an immunocompetence-maintenance function. Health professionals could consider this possibility in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation. Furthermore, health professionals could take steps to enhance self-efficacy and collective efficacy, derivative concepts of social-learning theory germane to self-help groups. Therefore, pertinent concepts and creative linkages are proposed in a preliminary attempt to initiate a self-help group theoretical framework for health professionals.
Stewart
M J
MJ
School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D007858:Learning; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011598:Psychoneuroimmunology; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D012951:Socialization