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)

Examined applicability of Bednar, Melnick, and Kaul's model of early group development to college student self-help groups using undergraduates (N=101) who met in high-structure or low-structure groups. Found amount of group structure was positively related to ownership of group functioning; importance of performing group behaviors was positively…

Implemented weekly self-help group for female anorexics and bulimics. Eighteen women who had consistently attended sessions evaluated group six months after it had begun. Found that self-help group benefited most members. Discusses findings in relation to curative factors of such groups. Offers suggestions for professionals interested in…