Helping processes in a mutual aid organization for persons with emotional disturbance.
To date, the notion of helpfulness of group processes has been equivocal in research on self-help groups. This article argues that findings drawn from the participants' subjective appraisals of helpfulness carry meanings different from those drawn from the correlational approach. In a mutual aid organization serving adults with mental health problems, the study found that, whereas universality, self-disclosure, and instillation of hope were the most valued processes, support and catharsis were the strongest correlates of benefits of participation. The authors propose a two-level hierarchy that distinguishes sustaining and beneficial factors. Different sets of factors should constitute the focus of facilitation at different stages of group development.
Cheung
S K
SK
Division of Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong.
Sun
S Y
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*