Focuses on validity of measures of service delivery. Examines claims relating to benefits of attending self-help groups on mental health functioning of individuals with depression or manic depression. Discusses questions related to individual patterns of attendance, generalization of intervention's effects, and migration from "home" to other…

An urban renewal program in preunification Berlin involved self-help projects and a community school. The program demonstrated a holistic approach to urban regeneration and showed that the success of participatory community processes depends on community education. (SK)

Forty-eight patients undergoing inpatient detoxification for alcohol dependence were assigned to either brief advice (BA) to attend Alcoholics Anonymous or a motivational enhancement for 12-step involvement (ME-12) intervention that focused on increasing involvement in 12-step self-help groups. Attendance at 12-step groups did not differ…

This study investigated the effects of an Internet-based intervention for insomnia. Participants who met criteria for insomnia (N = 109) were randomly assigned to either a cognitive-behavioral self-help treatment or a waiting list control condition. The 5-week intervention mainly consisted of sleep restriction, stimulus control, and cognitive…

A study at the University of Alabama/Birmingham (UAB) compared adult asthma patients receiving a self-care workbook with those receiving only asthma pamphlets. Outcomes were assessed in five areas: (1) health care utilization, (2) functional status, (3) knowledge, (4) adherence, and (5) psychological reactions. (Author/CH)

The differences between help offerer by members of mutual help groups and help offered by trained professionals are clarified. The perils for professionals who emulate the methods of mutual help associations are discussed. (Author)

Suggests innovative solutions for mutual benefits for self-help groups and the professionals. Through a derivative paradigm the role of the professional helper within self-help groups is presented. (Author/BL)

Results of a preliminary survey of epilepsy self-help group members are presented, and effects relating to stigmatization, reasons for participation, asserted curative factors, and formal-only versus informal participation in the self-help group process are examined. Societal reaction to people with epilepsy is viewed as a major contributor to…

Surveyed 247 social workers to investigate their use of community self-help groups as a resource for clients. Results indicated social workers were aware of self-help groups and their benefits, but agencies do not have policies that encourage their use. (JAC)

Evaluated the effectiveness of a multicomponent program designed to enhance the maintenance of weight loss in moderately obese clients (N=43). Results of 15- and 21-month follow-up assessments revealed that the multicomponent program significantly enhanced the maintenance of weight loss. (LLL)

The Antigonish Movement used lifelong education to overcome educational and economic inequities. Begun in Canada's Maritime Provinces, the movement anticipated many of the principles of lifelong learning, adult learning, and Paolo Freire. (SK)

Emphasizing that the family unit is the primary force in coping with asthma, the Lungs Unlimited program provides education and counseling and teaches self-management procedures to children and families. The program is described and its effectiveness is indicated. (RH)

Debtors Anonymous, a support group begun by the National Council of Negro Women, helps members to educate themselves about credit, consumer protection, and budgeting, and to set long-term goals for money management. Chapters have been organized in cities throughout the country. (SK)

Describes the use of a self-administered desensitization program as a teaching device and fear reduction procedure with graduate students in counseling psychology. (Author)

The article describes VISION Foundation, a self-help program providing work opportunities for both paid and volunteer persons who are newly blind or have progressive eye diseases. (Author/DLS)