Towards more effective intervention in natural helping networks.
Fiscal constraints which are promoting a retreat from social welfare programming place increasing responsibility for care on natural helping networks of family and friends. Research has identified several characteristics of informal networks which are associated with support such as density, reciprocity, homogeneity, and multiplexity. Professional interventions have also responded to the potential supports available in networks. Professional practice concentrates primarily on self-help groups and the use of key persons in networks. There is, however, little correspondence between research findings and professional approaches to intervention. Little has been done to determine the possible impact of formal service provision on the dynamics of informal networks. More effective intervention in informal networks must consider the limitations of current practice, the development of assessment instruments, and the changes in network structures and processes over time.
D000368:Aged; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006738:Hospices / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States