Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
08:53
Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
5.9K
Assessing the Impact and Effectiveness of Hearing Voices Network Self-Help Groups
Eleanor Longden1,2, John Read3, Jacqui Dillon4
1Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. Eleanor.Longden@gmw.nhs.uk.
Community Mental Health Journal
|June 23, 2017
Summary
The Hearing Voices Network (HVN) self-help groups offer crucial peer support for voice hearers, significantly aiding recovery and coping. These groups provide valuable emotional, social, and clinical benefits.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health
- Psychology
Background:
- The Hearing Voices Network (HVN) is a prominent service-user led organization.
- Self-help is recognized as a vital component of mental health recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically assess the impact and effectiveness of HVN self-help groups.
- To understand participant-valued aspects of these support groups.
Main Methods:
- A custom 45-item questionnaire, the Hearing Voices Groups Survey, was distributed.
- The survey was sent to 62 English HVN-affiliated groups, receiving 101 responses.
Main Results:
- Group attendance was linked to positive emotional, social, and clinical outcomes.
- Key valued aspects included peer connection, unique support, and a safe space for discussion.
- Participants viewed HVN groups as facilitators of recovery and coping mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- HVN self-help groups are perceived as effective resources for voice hearers.
- These groups provide essential support and contribute to recovery processes.
- Mental health professionals can support the effective operation of these groups.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Self-Help Support Groups
409
Self-help support groups are voluntary, community-based organizations that provide a platform for individuals with shared concerns to exchange support, insights, and practical strategies for coping with life challenges. Typically led by group members or paraprofessionals, these groups form a cornerstone of mental health care, especially in reaching populations that are underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
409
01:28Impact of Groups on Individuals
418
Groups play a fundamental role in shaping individual behavior, as they establish norms that guide interactions and decision-making. Social psychology examines how individuals conform to group expectations, often adjusting their attitudes and actions to align with group norms. These norms can be formal, such as workplace policies, or informal, such as unspoken social expectations within a fraternity.Conformity and Social InfluenceConformity arises when individuals modify their behaviors or...
418
01:19Impact of Groups on Groups
288
Social psychologists analyze how groups influence one another, shaping social structures and interactions through both cooperation and competition. These dynamics manifest in various ways, ranging from economic partnerships to intergroup conflicts that shape societal structures and perceptions.Cooperation and Competition in Intergroup RelationsIntergroup relationships vary across contexts, sometimes fostering cooperation and mutual benefit while at other times leading to conflict and...
288
01:26Group Therapy
536
Group therapy is a sociocultural approach to psychological treatment, where individuals with shared psychological challenges come together under the guidance of a mental health professional. This therapeutic modality offers unique opportunities for individuals to connect, share, and grow within the context of a supportive group. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, group therapy can address a range of psychological concerns effectively, often complementing or surpassing the...
536
01:25Impact of Individuals on a Group
382
In social psychology, the interplay between individuals and groups is a central concern, particularly regarding how individual actions and characteristics influence group processes and outcomes. While much research emphasizes the group's power in shaping individual behavior, it is equally significant to understand how individuals contribute to the functioning, development, and success of groups.Individual Roles in Group Productivity and Decision-MakingIndividuals are not passive participants in...
382
01:30Community Based Intervention
536
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
536