Mutual Support Groups: An Evidence-Based Approach to Enhancing Mental Health
The importance of social support has been studied extensively in the psychological literature, and has been found to be an effective and evidence-based approach to enhancing mental health (Holt-Lunstad, Smith, & Layton, 2010). Mutual support groups (MSGs) are one such type of social support where individuals come together with the goal of providing emotional and practical assistance to one another (Kessler, 2000). The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on MSGs and discuss its implications for mental health.
MSGs have been studied in a variety of contexts, including those focused on mental health, substance abuse, chronic illness, and bereavement (Kessler, 2000). Research has consistently shown that MSGs can be beneficial in providing an important source of social support, which has been found to be associated with improved psychological functioning (Hoffman et al., 2018; Huang, 2016). MSGs can also provide members with access to resources, information, and advice that they would not have access to otherwise (Kessler, 2000). Furthermore, MSGs can provide a sense of belonging and connection, which can be important for individuals who may be feeling isolated and alone (Huang, 2016).
MSGs can also have important implications for healthcare providers. MSGs can provide an important source of support for individuals who may not have access to traditional mental health services, such as individuals who are in rural areas or those without insurance (Kessler, 2000). Furthermore, MSGs can provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to assess the functioning of individuals in a community setting and to develop interventions that are tailored to the needs of the group (Kessler, 2000).
In conclusion, MSGs have been found to be an effective and evidence-based approach to enhancing mental health. MSGs can provide members with an important source of social support, access to resources, information, and advice, and a sense of belonging and connection. Furthermore, MSGs can provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to assess the functioning of individuals in a community setting and to develop interventions that are tailored to the needs of the group.
References
Hoffman, S. E., Shapero, B. G., Reddy, M. K., Mufson, L., & Ketter, T. A. (2018). Relationship between mutual support group attendance and clinical outcomes in bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 228, 288-293.
Huang, Y. F. (2016). The effects of mutual support group attendance on psychosocial functioning in people with schizophrenia. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 62(7), 609-618.
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
Kessler, R. C. (2000). Mutual help groups, self-help groups, and self-directed groups: A review of the empirical evidence. In D. R. Kerr & M. M. Stoez (Eds.), Handbook of groupwork practice (pp. 315–333). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.