Does help help? The adaptive consequences of obtaining help from professionals and social networks

This study reports on a longitudinal analysis of changes in adaptation associated with seeking help on a representative sample of Chicago area adults who had experienced one of three transitions or four crises during the interval between 1972 and follow-up 1976--77 interviews. For each event, respondents are classified into three groups according to their help-seeking behavior: those who went to professionals, those who went only to their social networks, and those who had the event but sought no help. Nine measures of adaptation are used: symptoms of anxiety and depression and strains and stresses in four role areas. Statistical controls equate the groups on demographic characteristics, perceived stress, personal resources, access to help, and elapsed time since the event. There are no consistent statistical significant differences among the groups. No evidence is found that help-seeking has positive adaptive consequences. The findings are not likely to result from an inadequate sample, outcome measures, or statistical controls, but could result from insufficient information on the kind, quality, and duration of the help provided.