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Bereavement support groups: who joins; who does not; and why
American Journal of Community Psychology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Widowed individuals joining bereavement support groups (BSGs) experienced more distress and stressful events. However, participation may be influenced by the perceived stigma associated with seeking help.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Grief Studies
Background:
- Bereavement is a significant life event associated with emotional distress.
- Bereavement support groups (BSGs) are a common intervention for coping with loss.
- Understanding factors influencing participation in BSGs is crucial for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the experiences of widowed individuals who joined BSGs with those who did not.
- To explore perceptions of BSG participants and the potential stigma associated with them.
- To propose a model explaining BSG utilization during bereavement.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of widowed spouses who joined (n=40) or declined (n=96) BSGs within 13 months of bereavement.
- Statistical controls for gender, age, and socioeconomic status.
- Assessment of perceived social support, stressful events, depression, anger, anxiety, and subjective stress.
Main Results:
- No differences in perceived social support between joiners and nonjoiners.
- Joiners reported significantly more stressful events and higher levels of depression, anger, anxiety, and subjective stress.
- A mild stigma was associated with BSG participation, with nonjoiners viewing attendees as less self-sufficient.
Conclusions:
- Individuals seeking BSG support may be experiencing greater distress.
- A dialectical model, involving avoidance of distress versus perceived stigma, may explain BSG utilization.
- Further research on participation in mutual support groups is warranted.