On basis of literature review, distinguishes support groups from self-help and treatment groups. Proposes open systems model for understanding factors that affect support groups, for guiding interventions, and for evaluating their outcomes. Describes four conceptual dimensions: environmental conditions; participant group characteristics; group…

Discusses addictive model of compulsive sex among some homosexual men. Describes commonalities between two most prevalent and successful approaches used to treat this disorder: group treatment and self-help Twelve Step addictive model. Contends that, whether compulsive sexual behavior is accepted as an addiction, the addictive model itself seems…

Discusses perceptions of the bereaved that make support groups necessary and the process by which such groups work. Notes that bereavement support groups first produce sense of community with other bereaved persons, then allow group members to begin to concern themselves again with issues other than bereavement. (Author/NB)

Describes Comunidades Eclesial de Base (CEBs) or base communities which are self-help and mutual aid groups that assist in alleviating the effects of poverty and powerlessness in Latin America. Discusses two potential problems of CEBs - that they may encourage either passivity or increased violence. (Author/NB)

Discusses the benefits of support, the format and design of existing self-help and support groups for individuals with eating disorders, and current controversies on the use of these groups. (Author/ABB)

Points out that there is a discrete population of midcareer, largely first-time mothers who seek some form of psychological help when they first return to work after childbirth. Reports that family-oriented conjoint counseling and self-help groups are effective forms of treatment for this population. (LLL)

Addresses the characteristics and boundaries of a professionally led support group and how it differs from a self-help group and group psychotherapy. Points out that core differences among the three types of groups tend to revolve around membership screening and interactions, goals, dynamics of change, and leadership strategies. (LLL)

Presents a behavioral technique that permits clients to manage their own depression by coaching clients through self-observation, self-mediation and self-reinforcement activities, counselors can use minimum intervention to achieve a maximum amount of client gain. The program is most effective for moderately depressed clients. (Author/JAC)

This report contains highlights from a seminar on the role of parents in helping adolescents with their health problems. Comments by these panelists is summarized: Judy Areen, dean, Georgetown University Law Center; Barbara Popper, founder and board member of Children in Hospitals, Inc. and resource specialist at the Federation for Children with…

Describes the development, nature, and potential contributions of refugee community organizations in the resettlement of Indochinese refugees. (Author/GC)

One strategy for helping clients develop their own self-development systems is educational intervention. The counselor assumes a teacher role to teach clients specific skills to better cope with problems of living. Presents a five-step counseling and self-help method to be learned by clients. (Author)

Examines the ways hypertension therapy-related stress is mediated by extended family-based self-help groups in rural, central Mississippi. Concludes that these self-help groups are the best means of controlling hypertension in this area because they are built upon an existing family structure and involve the entire extended family in adapting to…

Examines four methods of service delivery in social work: case management, social support, self-help, and voluntarism. Considers methods in the context of present attitudes toward social programs. Argues that useful but modest service delivery methods are not substitutes for bold solutions to social problems. (Author/NB)

Describes the process by which one counseling center developed a series of self-help brochures. In addition to the intended service benefits to students, the brochures present a positive image of the counseling center to numerous campus constituencies. Discusses costs, benefits, and strategies for marketing the brochures. (Author)

In the 1960's attempts were made by protest and emancipation movements to deal with the power structure of the political and administrative system. In the 1970's a change typical of the new self-help movement, turning inward from objective to subjective problem situations occurred. This new self-help movement sought programmatically to bring…