Self-help and self-help groups for people with long-lasting health problems or mental health difficulties in a Nordic context: a review.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to provide systematic knowledge of research from Nordic countries about the meaning of self-help and self-help groups when these are used as a concept or method addressing issues related to long-lasting health problems or mental health difficulties.


METHODS
Included were studies conducted in the Nordic countries that were published between January 1999 and September 2009. These studies investigated self-help and self-help groups addressing issues related to long-lasting health problems.


RESULTS
A total of 83 publications met the inclusion criteria. Four major characteristics of self-help were found to be present in the publications: self-help as an intrapsychological process, self-help as an interpsychological or group process, self-help as a coping, individual learning or empowerment process, and self-help as an alternative or complement to medical treatment. Of the 83 studies, 72 publications used a professional treatment perspective for studying self-help and 11 publications used a perspective derived from alternative or complementary therapies.


CONCLUSIONS
The review shows that most of the research on self-help and self-help groups for people with long-lasting health problems or disability is conducted with an interest to improve the professional healthcare system. That is, the health-promotion strategy is mainly considered in the framework of treatment or care settings. This means that self-help in this context does not challenge the dominant biomedical health model.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Nord-Trøndelag University College, Levanger, Norway. bjorg.aglen@hint.no
Bjørg
B
Aglen
Marianne
M
Hedlund
Bodil J
BJ
Landstad
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D006293:Health Promotion; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D008603:Mental Health; D012106:Research; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; D012648:Self Care; D012657:Self-Help Groups