Facilitators and barriers to caregiver support group participation

This study examined the facilitators and barriers to support group participation among lower socioeconomic status African-American and Caucasian caregivers of persons with chronic mental illness. Data were collected through in-person interviews with family caregivers of 198 adults with chronic mental illness. The results indicated that a substantial numbers of caregivers had little knowledge about support groups. Mental health professionals were cited as important facilitators of support group participation. Barriers to support group participation pertained to accessibility and personal factors including lack of time, lack of need, difficulties sharing feelings, concern for confidentiality, and not knowing anyone who was a group member. There were few differences by caregiver race. Implications for mental health case managers and agencies and for future research are discussed.