title: Capturing dynamic processes of change in GROW mutual help groups for mental health.
abstract: The need for a model that can portray dynamic processes of change in mutual help groups for mental health (MHGMHs) is emphasized. A dynamic process model has the potential to capture a more comprehensive understanding of how MHGMHs may assist their members. An investigation into GROW, a mutual help organization for mental health, employed ethnographic, phenomenological and collaborative research methods. The study examined how GROW impacts on psychological well being. Study outcomes aligned with the social ecological paradigm (Maton in Understanding the self-help organization: frameworks and findings. Sage, Thousand Oaks 1994) indicating multifactorial processes of change at and across three levels of analysis: group level, GROW program/community level and individual level. Outcome themes related to life skills acquisition and a change in self-perception in terms of belonging within community and an increased sense of personal value. The GROW findings are used to assist development of a dynamic multi-dimensional process model to explain how MHGMHs may promote positive change.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, and Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia. l.finn@curtin.edu.au
authors.forename: Lizzie D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Finn
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Bishop
authors.forename: Neville
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sparrow
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009042:Motivation; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods