Expanding theoretical conceptualizations of self-help groups

Miriam J. Stewart

Social Science & Medicine, 1990, vol. 31, issue 9, 1057-1066

Abstract: Self-help groups, a prevalent and significant source of social support, manifest the public- participation premise of primary health care. Yet, self-help studies have typically lacked theoretical grounding. Psychoneuroimmunological and social-learning theories could contribute to the theoretical understanding of self-help groups. As self-help groups can mitigate the impact of natural social-network losses, they could help prevent health disorders via an immunocompetence-maintenance function. Health professionals could consider this possibility in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation. Furthermore, health professionals could take steps to enhance self-efficacy and collective efficacy, derivative concepts of social-learning theory germane to self-help groups. Therefore, pertinent concepts and creative linkages are proposed in a preliminary attempt to initiate a self-help group theoretical framework for health professionals.

Keywords: self-help; groups; theory; social; learning; psychoneuroimmunology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1990
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