What are self-help groups?

Introduction

A self-help group, also called a mutual help, mutual aid, or support group, is a gathering of individuals with a shared topic of interest, issue, or problem. Groups may be disease-related (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous or Parents of Children with Schizophrenia) or related to a situation such as bereavement or the stress of care-giving. Groups may be led by a mental health professional, but most self-help groups provide peer-to-peer support with a moderator who is a member of the group. Most self-help groups are free of charge to participants and are limited in size to facilitate enhanced interaction.

Groups provide social support by creating a shared community of experiences among members. Participants obtain experiential knowledge from peers who have gone through similar situations and, through trial and error, have determined the best action to take to address an issue. The ideal group is composed of experienced members who can assist newer members with expected challenges over time. The experienced members become role models for their peers, validating the social learning theory that learning can occur within a social context. Members who share experiences may feel a sense of normalcy within the group as it provides a sense of commonality that may not be present in their daily lives. Empathetic understanding occurs when experiences are shared. Comparing situations to those of others and finding them similar creates an environment of safety and security. Members who help others within the group find their self-esteem enhanced by the realization that their experiences are useful learning tools for other participants.

Self-help groups vary in success and effectiveness based on the members of the group and the skill of the moderator. There are many psychosocial processes that occur within self-help groups. Acceptance of others, catharsis, enhanced self-esteem, information sharing, learned coping strategies, openness, and self-disclosure are all examples of behaviors that may occur in healthy self-help groups. In less effective groups, members may have a sense of unrest, fail to recognize when a participant needs professional intervention, and learn bad behaviors from peers, leading participants to ignore professional mental health advice when needed. Selecting the appropriate self-help group is critical to obtaining benefits from the activity.

Selecting a Self-Help Group

To select a self-help group, a patient may seek the assistance of a physician or health care professional. Different types of groups are available in most communities. The most common types are weekly groups that meet in an easily accessible location and are free of charge for attendees, but fee-based groups conducted by professionals are also available in many communities. It is important to understand that self-help groups are not group therapy and cannot replace prescribed group therapy. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous may be listed in the telephone book. Workshops with a specific focus may also be available on an interim basis and are often advertised in local newspapers or online. These are generally fee-based and focus on a particular topic such as smoking cessation. Self-help groups can also be found by contacting local or national agencies.

Once a self-help group is selected, an ongoing evaluation of the group interaction and applicability to the member is important. Attendance on a regular basis will benefit the participant, assuming that the group is a healthy and effective one. The group should have a sense of structure but not to the point that the format feels rigid, the environment should feel safe and secure, and members should be respectful to one another. Learning opportunities should exist, and members should leave the group on a weekly basis feeling better than when they arrived. If, at any point, participants feel uncomfortable in the group, they should discuss their feelings with the moderator and determine if leaving the group is necessary.

Alternatives to Traditional Formats

An alternative to attending a weekly group is an online self-help group. If a person’s community is too small to offer self-help groups, or if circumstances such as a disability or lack of transportation exist, then an online group may be an option. There are two types of online self-help groups: synchronous and asynchronous. A synchronous group allows participants to exchange comments in real time, similar to a chat room. An asynchronous group allows messages and responses to be posted, such as in an online forum, but no interactive dialogue occurs. Online groups are not difficult to find, but participants should verify the quality of the group. Online groups sponsored by reputable organizations tend to be of better quality and more effective.

Bibliography

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