A Persian Gulf War support group: process, viability, and flexibility

Observations of a Persian Gulf War support group suggest that the support group is a viable approach to ameliorating the stress of war among those personally affected. Cohesiveness developed readily, and facilitated a social support network. Therapeutic factors are compared with previous support group literature, and existential issues appear to be involved in groups addressing an uncontrollable stressor and/or the possibility of death. The volatility of the stressor produced variations in group character (supportive psychotherapy versus support versus self-help), necessitating a flexible leadership role. Observations are offered toward clarifying the nature of support groups in general.