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The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
[Which distinguishing features characterize self-help groups? A grid for description and research]
1Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Forschungsgruppe Versorgung und Qualität in der Prävention, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, Germany. t.kliche@uke.de
Medizinische Klinik (Munich, Germany : 1983)
|October 29, 2010
Summary
This study identifies 91 characteristics of self-help groups to assess their effectiveness. The developed taxonomy aids in evaluating quality and understanding factors influencing outcomes in these diverse groups.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited evidence exists on self-help group effectiveness due to their heterogeneity.
- Research on self-help groups faces challenges in standardizing assessments.
- Understanding group characteristics is crucial for evaluating their impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive taxonomy of self-help group characteristics.
- To provide a structured framework for assessing self-help group quality and effectiveness.
- To address the research barrier posed by the heterogeneity of self-help groups.
Main Methods:
- A conceptual review was conducted across three knowledge domains: outcome studies, healthcare supply research, and practical implementation experiences.
- The Quality in Prevention (QIP) framework was utilized to structure the identified characteristics.
- A taxonomy of 91 distinguishing characteristics of self-help groups was generated.
Main Results:
- A taxonomy of 91 characteristics potentially influencing self-help group effectiveness was established.
- The taxonomy covers structural, procedural, and outcome-related aspects of self-help groups.
- The evidence base for these characteristics was predominantly expert-based opinion, indicating low methodological quality.
Conclusions:
- The developed taxonomy offers a systematic approach to analyzing self-help group quality.
- It can be applied in evaluations and healthcare supply studies to better understand group effectiveness.
- Further research is needed to validate these characteristics with higher methodological quality evidence.
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