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Related Experiment Videos

Support groups as open systems: a model for practice and research

J H Schopler1, M J Galinsky

  • 1School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3550.

Health & Social Work
|August 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

A new open systems model provides a framework for understanding and evaluating support groups, addressing a gap in current practice and research for various life challenges.

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Area of Science:

  • Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Support groups are increasingly utilized for individuals facing crises, life transitions, and chronic conditions.
  • Existing practice and research lack a unified conceptual framework for support group dynamics.
  • Distinguishing support groups from self-help and treatment groups is crucial for clarity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding support group functioning.
  • To guide interventions and evaluate outcomes within support group settings.
  • To differentiate support groups from other group modalities.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review to identify key factors influencing support groups.
  • Development of an open systems model encompassing environmental, participant, and group conditions.
  • Presentation and discussion of findings from a pilot study applying the framework.

Main Results:

  • The proposed open systems model outlines four key dimensions: environmental conditions, participant group characteristics, group conditions, and outcomes.
  • The model facilitates a holistic understanding of factors affecting support group effectiveness.
  • Pilot study findings demonstrate the framework's utility in analyzing support group practice.

Conclusions:

  • The developed open systems model offers a robust framework for support group practice and research.
  • This model can enhance the design, implementation, and evaluation of support group interventions.
  • Further research is needed to validate and refine the model across diverse support group contexts.

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