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Determinants of client outcomes in self-help agencies
Steven P Segal1, Carol Silverman
1School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-7400, USA. spsegal@uclink4.berkeley.edu
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|March 5, 2002
Summary
Client participation in decisions at self-help agencies significantly improved outcomes. Meaningful involvement in care decisions fostered positive results for clients, enhancing personal empowerment and social functioning.
Area of Science:
- Social Science
- Psychology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Client-run self-help agencies offer unique support systems.
- Understanding factors influencing client outcomes in these agencies is crucial for service improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the link between client engagement in agency decision-making and client outcomes.
- To assess the impact of attendance, satisfaction, and psychological disability on functioning and empowerment.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 255 clients across four self-help agencies.
- Data collected at baseline and six months using interviews.
- Structural modeling analyzed relationships between determinants and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Personal empowerment increased; assisted social functioning decreased; independent social functioning remained stable.
- Organizationally mediated empowerment positively correlated with all assessed outcomes.
- Client involvement in decision-making emerged as a key factor.
Conclusions:
- Meaningful client participation in agency decisions is vital for positive outcomes.
- Empowerment through involvement drives improvements in social functioning and personal empowerment.
- Self-help agencies should prioritize client-led decision-making processes.