A Structured Support Group for Midlife and Older Adults with Vision Loss

1994 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.J. McCulloh ◽  
I. Crawford ◽  
J.D. Resnick
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Vision Loss

This article describes an eight-week structured social support group for midlife and older adults who are adventitiously visually impaired. The group objectives, topics covered, and issues encountered are presented, along with recommendations for developing future support groups for this population.

Reasons for attending support groups and organizational preferences: A replication study using the North American Scleroderma Support Group Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Pépin ◽  
Linda Kwakkenbos ◽  
Marie-Eve Carrier ◽  
Sandra Peláez ◽  
Ghassan El-Baalbaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
North America ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Peer-facilitated support groups are an important source for receiving disease-related information and support for people with systemic sclerosis (or scleroderma). A recent survey explored reasons for attending systemic sclerosis support groups in Europe and Australia and used exploratory factor analysis to group reasons for attendance into three main themes: (1) interpersonal and social support, (2) disease treatment and symptom management strategies, and (3) other aspects of living with systemic sclerosis. The objective of the present study was to replicate this study in a sample of patients from North America using confirmatory factor analysis. A 30-item survey was used to assess reasons for attendance and organizational preferences among systemic sclerosis patients in Canada and the United States. In total, 171 members completed the survey. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the three-factor model showed good fit to the data (χ2(399) = 646.0, p < 0.001, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.97, comparative fit index = 0.97, root mean square error approximation = 0.06). On average, respondents rated 22 (73%) of 30 items as “important” or “very important” reasons for attending support groups. Among organizational preferences, respondents emphasized the importance of the ability to share feelings and concerns, as well as educational aspects. Findings of our study suggest that reasons for attending support groups are similar for patients from Europe, Australia, and North America and that support groups should facilitate social support as well as disease education. These results inform the development of training programs for current and future systemic sclerosis support group leaders across the globe.

scholarly journals Teleconferencing as a Source of Social Support for Older Spousal Caregivers

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 381-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Edel McHugh ◽  
Joseph P. Wherton ◽  
David K. Prendergast ◽  
Brian A. Lawlor
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Group Processes ◽  
Spousal Caregivers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
User Friendly

Teleconferencing is increasingly being used as a medium of delivering social support for dementia caregivers. Further direction is required from pilot studies before the optimal clinical service can be delivered. Following a 6-week pilot support group for spousal caregivers, delivered via teleconferencing software, we interviewed 8 participants for their feedback. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using grounded theory analysis. Themes of “group processes” and “barriers,” containing subcategories of “functions of the group,” “responsibilities of facilitators,” and “barriers to communication” were discussed. According to caregivers, successful teleconferencing support groups should acknowledge the caregiver as the dementia expert, allow participants to meet before the deployment of the support group, provide active facilitation and leadership via the researcher, employ user-friendly technologies, and facilitate for the group to self-maintain following the pilot deployment period. These issues should be taken into consideration when designing future teleconferencing applications for caregivers.

A Qualitative Evaluation of the Impact of the First Love Yourself (FLY) Women’s Support Group

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Valerie Blackmon ◽  
Chalenna Cassell ◽  
Cathy Gilbert McElderry ◽  
Olawunmi Obisesan
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

Research has shown that social support groups not only have significant effects on the physical and mental health of individuals, but can also be used as predictors of health outcomes. It is, therefore, important that social workers and other public health professionals are aware of the social support groups that exist in communities so as to find ways to utilize these to meet health needs. The study aims to explore the First Love Yourself (FLY) group, an empowerment-based support group specifically designed to meet the needs of Healthy Start consumers, parents and consortium members. A qualitative analysis of the data gathered from this focus group study yielded several key themes. While participants described finding other community resources helpful, they reported having no other outlet for confidential self-expression and connection to peers other than the FLY group. Group members also reported having improved self-esteem, relationships with their children, partners, and family, and ability to cope as a result of participation in the group. Participants further described gaining knowledge and learning skills that were helpful. This included learning parenting, communication, stress and anger management, budgeting, goal-setting and coping skills and techniques. Finally, qualitative analysis of the data gained from the focus group with participants and the group leader revealed the presence of all 11 curative factors described by Yalom (2005). The primary areas for improvement noted by the group and its leader were related to the frequency of group meetings. Both audiences indicated that additional sessions would be beneficial.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Impact Evaluation of the First Love Yourself (FLY) Women’s Support Group

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Valerie Blackmon ◽  
Chalenna Cassell ◽  
Cathy G. McElderry ◽  
Olawunmi Obisesan
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Group Members ◽  
And Coping

Research has shown that social support groups not only have significant effects on the physical and mental health of individuals, but can also be used as predictors of health outcomes. It is, therefore, important that social workers and other public health professionals are aware of the social support groups that exist in communities so as to find ways to utilize these to meet health needs. The study aims to explore the First Love Yourself (FLY) group, an empowerment-based support group specifically designed to meet the needs of Healthy Start consumers, parents and consortium members. A qualitative analysis of the data gathered from this focus group study yielded several key themes. While participants described finding other community resources helpful, they reported having no other outlet for confidential self-expression and connection to peers other than the FLY group. Group members also reported having improved self-esteem, relationships with their children, partners, and family, and ability to cope as a result of participation in the group. Participants further described gaining knowledge and learning skills that were helpful. This included learning parenting, communication, stress and anger management, budgeting, goal-setting and coping skills and techniques. Finally, qualitative analysis of the data gained from the focus group with participants and the group leader revealed the presence of all 11 curative factors described by Yalom (2005). The primary areas for improvement noted by the group and its leader were related to the frequency of group meetings. Both audiences indicated that additional sessions would be beneficial.

scholarly journals GRUPO DE APOIO SOCIAL PARA MÃES DE CRIANÇAS DIAGNOSTICADAS COM TDAH

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Daniele De Fátima Kot Cavarzan ◽  
Denise De Camargo ◽  
Denise De Camargo ◽  
Denise De Camargo
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
The Social ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Great Relevance ◽  
Positive Feelings

Abstract.SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP TO MOTHERS OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH ADHDThis article aims to present the analysis of the repercussions of a social support group on the educational practices of mothers of children diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The assumption is that the scientific knowledge about the disorder and the sharing of the reflected practical knowledge acquired by the families of these children have great relevance in the performance of their roles as mediators of the self-regulation of their children’s behavior. It is characterized as a Intervention Research, aligned with practice studies and guided by the ontological and epistemological foundations of Cultural-Historical Psychology. The social support group moderated by the researcher was the instrument of interaction among the mothers. The content analysis was done by “core of meaning” from reports of mothers during the development process of social support group and from the semi structured interview applied before and after the end of the group’s meetings. It was verified that the social support group favored the experience of positive feelings and provided a space for the exchange of practices and knowledge. Thus, the repercussions were positive with respect to the practices and meanings attributed by the mothers to the children and to themselves, with reflexes in the performance of their roles of mediators of the behavior of their children.Keywords: ADHD; Social Support Groups; Educational Practices.Resumo.Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a análise das repercussões de um grupo de apoio social nas práticas educativas de mães de crianças diagnosticadas com Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade. O pressuposto é que o conhecimento científico sobre o transtorno e o compartilhamento do conhecimento prático refletido adquirido pelas famílias dessas crianças têm grande relevância no desempenho de seus papeis como mediadoras da auto-regulação do comportamento dos seus filhos. Caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa intervenção, alinhada com os estudos de prática e orientada pelos fundamentos ontológicos e epistemológicos da psicologia histórico cultural. O grupo de apoio social, moderado pela pesquisadora, foi o instrumento de interação entre as mães. A análise foi feita por meio da construção de núcleos de significação das falas das mães durante o processo de desenvolvimento dos encontros do grupo e das entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais realizadas antes e após o término dos encontros do grupo. Constatou-se que o grupo de apoio social favoreceu a vivência de sentimentos positivos e propiciou um espaço de troca de práticas e conhecimentos. Assim, as repercussões foram positivas com relação às práticas e aos significados atribuídos pelas mães às crianças e a elas mesmas, com reflexos no desempenho de seus papeis de mediadoras do comportamento dos seus filhos.Palavras-chave: TDAH. Grupos de Apoio Social. Práticas Educativas.

scholarly journals Direction to an Internet Support Group Compared With Online Expressive Writing for People With Depression and Anxiety: A Randomized Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Dean ◽  
Henry WW Potts ◽  
Chris Barker
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Expressive Writing ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Internet Support Group ◽  
Internet Support ◽  
Internet Support Groups

Background Depression and anxiety are common, often comorbid, conditions, and Internet support groups for them are well used. However, little rigorous research has been conducted on the outcome of these groups. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an Internet support group in reducing depression and anxiety, and increasing social support and life satisfaction. Methods A randomized trial compared direction to an existing Internet support group for depression and anxiety with an online expressive writing condition. A total of 863 (628 female) United Kingdom, United States, and Canadian volunteers were recruited via the Internet. Online, self-report measures of depression, anxiety, social support, and satisfaction with life were administered at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Results All four outcomes – depression, anxiety, social support, and satisfaction with life – improved over the 6 months of the study (all P<.001). There was no difference in outcome between the two conditions: participants responded similarly to the expressive writing and the Internet support group. Engagement with the Internet support group was low, it had high 6-month attrition (692/795, 87%) and low adherence, and it received mixed and often negative feedback. The main problems reported were a lack of comfort and connection with others, negative social comparisons, and the potential for receiving bad advice. Expressive writing had lower attrition (194/295, 65%) and participants reported that it was more acceptable. Conclusions Until further evidence accumulates, directing people with depression and anxiety to Internet support groups cannot be recommended. On the other hand, online expressive writing seems to have potential, and its use for people with depression and anxiety warrants further investigation. Trial Registration Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01149265; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01149265 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6hYISlNFT)

Assertiveness, Depression, and Social Support in Older Visually Impaired Adults

1995 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 524-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hersen ◽  
R.I. Kabacoff ◽  
V.B. Van Hasselt ◽  
J.A. Null ◽  
C.F. Ryan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Rehabilitation Facility ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

This study examined the relationship of assertiveness, depression, and social support in a sample of 100 visually impaired older adults receiving services at a rehabilitation facility. Irrespective of sex or the type of impairment, age of onset of the impairment, duration of the impairment, there were significant correlations between social support and depression, assertiveness and depression, and social support and assertiveness.

Support groups for suicide survivors: Self regulation and social support as mediating the effect of recovery

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1626-1626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Levi ◽  
S. Weinberg ◽  
R. Nadjar
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Suicide Survivors ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Psychiatric Complications

IntroductionIndividuals grieving a suicide death (suicide survivors) may be at risk for psychiatric complications and suicidal behaviors. Support groups may provide valuable resource for survivors, who often do not seek out mental health treatment. Social support and self regulation which are at the nature of the support groups can facilitate growth from crisis.Objectives & aimsThe objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of support groups for suicide survivors. The specific aims were to assess the relationship between group participation and stress related growth and to assess the role of self regulation and social support as mediating variables.Methods74 suicide survivors belonged to one of two groups: 32 survivors who participate in a support group, compared with 42 survivors who did not participate. All participants completed questionnaires covering of self regulation, social support and stress related growth.ResultsSurvivors who participated in a support group showed better recovery from stress than those who didn’t participate. The effect was stronger in survivors who lost their offspring. A hierarchical regression indicates that time past from the event as well as self regulation and social support explained more than 33% of the variance of stress related growth.ConclusionsSupport groups for suicide survivors are a helpful intervention tool and can serve as a powerful form of primary and secondary prevention. Social support as well as self disclosure to other survivors can facilitate growth from crisis and diminish feelings of guilt, shame and other psychiatric complications.

Women’s peer to peer support inside a jail support group

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110303
Author(s):  
A. E. Stearns ◽  
Yang Yang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Supportive Communication ◽  
Communication Techniques ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
And Training

Social support plays an integral role in health and well-being. Behind bars, support from peers on the inside is also beneficial, facilitating prosocial behavior, sobriety, coping mechanisms, and re-entry success. Social support frequently is delivered through supportive communication. However, it is not clear how such communication is enacted, as the majority of studies relies upon participants’ recollections of supportive communication during a past crisis. The current study analyzed conversation among women participating in a jail support group to determine how supportive communication was enacted. Working with an abductive framework, the analysis found six forms of supportive communication: 1) legitimizing problems, behaviors, and perceptions; 2) advising on practical and logistical issues; 3) soothing and reassuring; 4) clarifying the problem; 5) esteem-building; and 6) emotion-expressing. Findings are novel in that they broaden our understanding of how communicative support is delivered while an individual is experiencing distress; while receivers and givers of supportive communication are both experiencing distress; and in the context of a jail. This study suggests efforts to enhance jailed women’s support of one another should be undertaken, largely by implementing peer support groups and training facilitators in effective communication techniques.

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