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Social climates in community groups: toward a taxonomy
Community Mental Health Journal
|January 1, 1980
Summary
This study empirically classified community groups into five types, revealing distinct characteristics for Self-Help, Civic Development, and Recreation groups. Findings offer guidance for effective community group referrals and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Community Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Community groups are recognized for stress coping, yet empirical research guiding their application is limited.
- Existing literature lacks a systematic classification of diverse community group structures and functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an empirical taxonomy of community groups to inform their use in prevention and treatment.
- To identify distinct characteristics of different community group types based on structure, function, and membership.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative approach was used, involving ratings of 41 randomly selected community groups.
- 35 dimensions assessing Group Structure, Function, and Membership Characteristics were analyzed.
- Cluster analysis was employed to derive a taxonomy of group types.
Main Results:
- Five distinct community group types were identified: Self-Interest, Self-Help, Social Communion, Civic Development, and Recreation.
- Each type exhibited unique patterns in regulation, member characteristics, and group functions.
- Self-Help groups offered high support and integration; Civic Development groups focused on personal growth.
Conclusions:
- The derived taxonomy provides a framework for understanding and differentiating community groups.
- Findings suggest tailored referral strategies based on group type and member needs.
- Further research can leverage this classification for intervention development and evaluation.
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