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…

Used a general systems model to evaluate a self-help support group for medical students (N=26). Results showed most medical students sought out support groups to fulfill social affiliation needs and gain better self-understanding. Members shared many leadership functions and generally found the groups meaningful. (JAC)

This report describes a federally funded project designed to meet the needs of culturally diverse children with special health care needs and their families in New York. The goal was to establish a model program that would demonstrate that the quality of life for culturally diverse children with special health needs and their families would be…