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A topography of self-help groups: an empirical analysis
S Wituk1, M D Shepherd, S Slavich
1Community-Clinical Psychology Program, Kansas Health Institute, Wichita State University 67260-0034, USA.
Social Work
|March 11, 2000
Summary
Social workers can leverage numerous low-cost self-help groups for clients. Many groups feature shared leadership and receive professional guidance, offering valuable support within managed health care.
Area of Science:
- Social Work
- Health Services Research
- Community Psychology
Background:
- Managed health care necessitates cost-effective interventions for social work clients.
- Self-help groups offer potential benefits but lack comprehensive understanding regarding their structure and support.
- Professional and organizational involvement with these groups is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and activities of diverse self-help groups.
- To assess the extent of professional involvement and organizational affiliations in self-help groups.
- To inform social workers on utilizing self-help groups within managed health care.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 253 self-help groups.
- Analysis of member and group characteristics.
- Examination of professional assistance and national/local organizational affiliations.
Main Results:
- Many self-help groups exhibit shared leadership models.
- Groups actively recruit their members.
- Professional assistance and guidance from organizations are common.
- Diverse types of self-help groups exist beyond well-known organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Conclusions:
- Self-help groups are structured, supported, and actively engaged entities.
- Social workers can effectively integrate these groups into managed health care.
- Understanding group dynamics and affiliations enhances social worker support for clients.
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