scholarly journals Support Group Participation

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-121
Author(s):  
Meghan Garabedian ◽  
Erin Perrone ◽  
Caitlin Pileggi ◽  
Vanessa Zimmerman
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Significant Other ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Career Plans ◽  
Group Participation ◽  
Future Goals ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Significant Disability

Abstract Background: Patients newly diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis (MS) face an overwhelming number of questions about how it will affect their lives. Participation in a support group is one way to obtain information and receive support from others. However, existing support groups are often attended by patients with significant disability, resulting in newly diagnosed patients being hesitant to return. Methods: This qualitative pilot study explored perceptions of patients with newly diagnosed MS before and after participation in two monthly meetings. A support group was conducted each month using nursing staff, a physician, and a social worker. Prior to the first meeting, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire with open-ended questions to share their thoughts about how MS may affect their lives. After the two meetings, they were asked to complete the same questionnaire again. Results: Eight themes were identified: uncertain disease course; insecure future; physical, emotional, and cognitive impacts; effect on relationships with family and/or spouse/significant other; ability to develop future relationship with significant other; impact on career plans; impact on ability to achieve future goals; and impact on ability to care for self and family. Five of six participants who attended both meetings and one of four who attended only the first meeting expressed a change in their perception of how MS may affect their lives. Conclusions: A support group dedicated exclusively to newly diagnosed patients may provide an opportunity for patients to experience a change in perceptions of MS.

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 Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups in Rural America: Barriers, Resources, and Opportunities

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Bush ◽  
Reshmi Singh ◽  
Mary Jo Hidecker ◽  
Catherine Carrico
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Group Participation ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Group Experiences

People with Parkinson’s disease who live in rural communities may lack information and support regarding their condition, compared to those in urban or suburban areas. For the study described herein, the researchers sought to gain a deeper understanding of support group experiences of rural Parkinson’s disease stakeholders through merging an interpretive phenomenological design with Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR). Using this merged approach, we collected qualitative data from five focus groups to gain a community perspective. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically, first, and then further explored for an overall essence. The theme, Support Group Benefits: Opportunities for Communication expounded upon the importance of support groups to Parkinson’s disease stakeholders. Barriers to Support Group Participation represented how the disease and the rural living conditions inhibited support group participation. Strategies to Improve Support Group Access demonstrated the different ways that the stakeholders had tried to overcome barriers and strengthen support groups. Notably, some participants discussed ways that support groups could increase their accessibility to more individuals with Parkinson’s living rurally so that they endured as a future resource. The themes and accessibility recommendations that emerged led the researchers to interpret the overall essence of this work as, experiencing support group benefits despite barriers, leaving a legacy.

Surviving After Suicide Loss: The Healing Potential of Suicide Survivor Support Groups

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverly Feigelman ◽  
William Feigelman
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Group Facilitation ◽  
Group Participation ◽  
Group Meetings ◽  
Essential Resource ◽  
Group Facilitators

With participant observations from peer-facilitated suicide survivor support group meetings, collected over a four-year period, this article applies Shulman's dynamics of mutual aid theory to explain how survivors' healing is facilitated by support group participation. Shulman's principles provide guidance on how survivors help and empower each other to deal with their grief in survivor support groups. Group facilitators can provide more clarity and direction to survivors with Shulman's principles, better helping survivors to navigate the bewildering course of healing after suicide loss. We also suggest ways group facilitation knowledge—an essential resource for enhancing healing—can be more widely distributed.

scholarly journals Primary Progressive Aphasia Education and Support Groups: A Clinical Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331751989563
Author(s):  
Cathleen Taylor-Rubin ◽  
Lisa Azizi ◽  
Karen Croot ◽  
Lyndsey Nickels
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Primary Progressive Aphasia ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Progressive Aphasia ◽  
Primary Progressive ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Speech Pathologist

Objectives: To evaluate the benefits of a primary progressive aphasia (PPA) education and support session for people with PPA (pwPPA) and their caregivers. Method: Thirty-eight individuals (20 pwPPA, 18 caregivers) were invited to participate in the study. Twenty-five individuals (12 pwPPA, 13 caregivers) completed questionnaires before and after an education and support group session provided by a speech pathologist and a clinical psychologist. Seven individuals (2 pwPPA, 5 caregivers) participated in follow-up interviews. Results: After one attendance, caregivers reported significant improvement in knowledge of PPA, strategies to manage worry and low mood, and opportunities to meet peers. Themes at interview were reduced feelings of isolation, increased feelings of support, increased knowledge of coping strategies, and improved understanding of PPA. Caregivers who had attended previous sessions reported increased feelings of well-being and support. Implications: Primary progressive aphasia education and support group sessions in the postdiagnostic period constitute a valuable component of comprehensive care for PPA.

scholarly journals Amputees’ Attitudes Toward Participation in Amputee Support Groups and the Role of Virtual Technology in Supporting Amputees: Survey Study

10.2196/14887 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 14887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward P Nathan ◽  
Sandra L Winkler
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Virtual Technology ◽  
Video Teleconferencing ◽  
Group Participation ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Medical Institutions

Background Acquiring information about and living with an amputation (or limb differential) is a lifelong endeavor. Although medical institutions address the immediate medical needs of amputees, information regarding how to live life as an amputee is provided from numerous sources, one of which is amputee support groups. Objective This study aimed at understanding why amputees join support groups, leave support groups, and possibly return to support groups as well as how technology, specifically virtual reality, might play a role in supporting patients’ needs. The results are intended to provide data for support groups, to increase their impact on amputee participants. Methods A 38-item online survey was developed based on the findings of a previous randomized trial. The survey was administered between April and September 2018 and divided into four sections: Demographics, Limb Loss History, Amputee Support Group Participation, and Technology Usage. Items used multiple-choice, drop-down menu, check-box formats with explanation boxes for open-ended responses. Descriptive analyses were performed for both qualitative (open-ended questions) and quantitative data. Results Of the 59 amputees enrolled, 54 completed the survey. All the respondents were aged 20-39 years, and nearly half of the older respondents thought audio and video teleconferencing or avatar-based technology would increase participation in support groups. The results suggest that an early goal for amputees who join support groups is to focus on regaining mobility and functionality in order to return to their normal life. Once achieved, the goal transitions to one of social connection with other amputees, although there is a caveat: Simply being an amputee may not provide sufficient connections for developing long-term social relationships. The strongest reason for joining a support group was to learn about living with an amputation, followed by networking and learning new skills. Conclusions The results suggest four key takeaways regarding amputee participation in support groups: (1) the needs of participants in amputee support groups change over time; (2) meeting content needs to be relevant to agendas primarily driven by participants; (3) support group participation is also driven by the desire to increase functionality by developing skills, become familiar with prosthetic technology, have more than amputation in common with other participants, and participate at the designated meeting time and location; and (4) the use of technology should support patients’ needs.

scholarly journals The Role of in-Person Support Groups in the Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women from a Mixed-Methods, Randomized Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina Toma ◽  
Alexandra Carolan ◽  
Skye Buckner-Petty ◽  
Laura Vargas ◽  
Christopher Wolter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Group Participation ◽  
Group Sessions

Abstract Background To assess the feasibility and acceptability of in-person support groups as a potential intervention for female patients with urinary incontinence. Methods Women over the age of 18 seeking treatment for UI were randomized to standard care with support group participation or to standard care alone. All participants completed validated questionnaires at the beginning and conclusion of the study. Questionnaires were analyzed with repeated measures of ANOVA models in an intention-to-treat manner. Three moderated support group sessions were held and audio recorded. Recordings were transcribed and categorized by frequency into themes using grounded theory methodology. Results A total of 10 control and 8 intervention participants agreed to participate. Seven women attended all three support group sessions and were included in the final analysis. Transcripts from support group sessions observed women identified most with (1) urinary incontinence (UI) as a chronic disease, (2) shame managing UI, and (3) social constraints of toileting. Support participants self-reported appreciation of support group participation and desire for on-going sessions. Analysis of the questionnaires did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. Conclusion Data ascertained from questionnaires was unable to demonstrate a meaningful effect in improved treatment outcomes for control and intervention participants. Grounded theory analysis of transcripts identified four primary themes: (1) appreciation of the support group, (2) UI as a gendered issue, (3) lack of public awareness, and (4) history of negative provider interactions. All support group participants self-reported interest in attending future support group sessions.

eSupport: Feasibility trial of telehealth support group participation to reduce loneliness in multiple sclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 1797-1800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria M Leavitt ◽  
Claire S Riley ◽  
Philip L De Jager ◽  
Sharonna Bloom
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Group Participation ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Loneliness is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are at increased risk for loneliness. Support groups facilitate meaningful social connections. Objective: To conduct a feasibility trial of eSupport: online support groups. Methods: Participants engaged in 1 hour/week eSupport or eJournal (active control). Primary outcome was feasibility (completion and adherence). We evaluated loneliness and depressive symptoms for preliminary efficacy. Results: Feasibility outcomes were met: completion rate was 96.4%; 88.9% were adherent. Loneliness and depression showed trend-level decreases in both conditions. Conclusion: Feasibility of telehealth support group participation for pwMS was supported. eSupport is accessible, affordable, acceptable, and scalable. Results warrant a randomized controlled trial to support efficacy.

Group Experiences and Individual Differences in Stuttering

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (12) ◽  
pp. 4335-4350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth E. Tichenor ◽  
J. Scott Yaruss
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Group Experiences ◽  
History Of ◽  
Adults Who Stutter

Purpose This study explored group experiences and individual differences in the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings perceived by adults who stutter. Respondents' goals when speaking and prior participation in self-help/support groups were used to predict individual differences in reported behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Method In this study, 502 adults who stutter completed a survey examining their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in and around moments of stuttering. Data were analyzed to determine distributions of group and individual experiences. Results Speakers reported experiencing a wide range of both overt behaviors (e.g., repetitions) and covert behaviors (e.g., remaining silent, choosing not to speak). Having the goal of not stuttering when speaking was significantly associated with more covert behaviors and more negative cognitive and affective states, whereas a history of self-help/support group participation was significantly associated with a decreased probability of these behaviors and states. Conclusion Data from this survey suggest that participating in self-help/support groups and having a goal of communicating freely (as opposed to trying not to stutter) are associated with less negative life outcomes due to stuttering. Results further indicate that the behaviors, thoughts, and experiences most commonly reported by speakers may not be those that are most readily observed by listeners.

Stuttering-Related Podcasts: Audio-Based Self-Help for People Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1131-1138
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Dignazio ◽  
Megan M. Kenny ◽  
Erik X. Raj ◽  
Kyle D. Pelkey
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Group Members

Purpose It is known that people who stutter (PWS) benefit from self-help experiences, such as attending support groups or conferences. However, limited research has been done to explore the listening of stuttering-related podcasts as a form of self-help for PWS. This study seeks to understand the reasons why PWS listen to stuttering-related podcasts and provide descriptions of their listening experiences. Method Thirty-three PWS who have listened to stuttering-related podcasts were recruited to participate in an online survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed and grouped into descriptive themes. Results Participants reported listening to stuttering-related podcasts as a way to gain information and perspective. They also reported experiences that fit themes of empowerment and camaraderie, as a result of listening. Conclusions Stuttering-related podcasts seem to be a positive self-help tool for PWS. Stuttering support group leaders and/or speech-language pathologists may consider introducing their group members or clients who stutter to this type of audio-based self-help experience.

Investigation of the “alternative” effects of an online support group for mental health problems among Japanese adults: A cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamu Kobori ◽  
Naoki Yoshinaga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Usage Frequency

BACKGROUND Owing to the rapid development of social networking services, online support groups vary widely both in goal and structure. Several studies have shown the potential effectiveness of online support groups, such as reducing psychological distress (eg depression) among individuals with mental health problems. However, online support groups often do not aim at effectiveness regarding distress-relief-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE The U2plus.jp (hereinafter U2plus) is an online support group for individuals with depression; in it, people support each other in structured ways while engaging in simple cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises. This study aimed to examine if usage frequency of the U2plus functions are associated with decreased stigma and increased consumer. METHODS In total, 355 U2plus users took part in an online survey. They were asked what therapy they had ever received, how often they logged into it and used each of its functions, and completed the following questionnaires: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale, and the General Help Seeking Scale. RESULTS Regarding the therapy they received, 89.3% (n=308) had been on medication for mental health problems, and 67.5% (n=233) had received psychotherapy or mental health counselling. Regarding the usage frequency, approximately 20% of the participants signed in to U2plus and used its functions more than once a week. The usage frequency of U2plus functions was not associated with perceived stigma. However, usage frequency of some functions was correlated to help seeking intentions from formal sources (eg doctors and psychologists). Moreover, 90% of the participants had a history of medication for their mental health. Additionally, the more depressed participants were, the more frequently they used U2plus. CONCLUSIONS It was suggested that online support groups may serve as an alternative treatment option for those who are already undergoing pharmacological treatment and are willing to seek help from whatever source they deem helpful.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document