Utilization of and Experience with Self-Help Groups among Patients with Mental Disorders in Germany
Anke Schäfer
Friedhelm Meyer
Jürgen Matzat
Rudolf J. Knickenberg
Franz Bleichner
Wolfgang Merkle
Christian Reimer
Wolfram Franke
Manfred E. Beutel
DOI: 10.2190/SH.4.1-2.b
Abstract
This study explores utilization of self-help groups by patients with mental disorders, and compares data for patients with positive or negative self-help experiences. The authors surveyed 4,447 patients in clinics for psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine regarding their utilization of and experience with self-help groups and outpatient psychotherapy. Data were compared for 106 patients with positive experience and 70 patients with negative experience who were self-help group members. Patients completed a range of standard questionnaires supplemented by some questions on self-help groups and psychotherapy especially designed for their project. About 11% of the patients had experience with self-help groups when admitted to hospital, usually in combination with psychotherapy. More than half of them were satisfied with their groups. Satisfaction with self-help group was associated with longer duration of participation, lower level of psychological distress, more self-efficacy, more extraversion, and a stronger network of social support. We found similar results in patients who were satisfied with their outpatient psychotherapy. The authors concluded that patients in self-help groups for mental disorders were mostly satisfied with their group experiences. Satisfaction was related to good personal resources and low psychological distress. Self-help groups deserve more attention as an alternative to or complementary element in psychotherapeutic care.
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