Experiential Knowledge: A New Concept for the Analysis of Self-Help Groups

Experiential knowledge (truth based on personal experience with a phenomenon) is introduced as a new analytical concept that characterizes self-help groups. The attributes of experiential and professional knowledge are compared. This new concept is useful in considering the theoretical and practical issues regarding the relationship between self-help groups and professionals. [1]

Internet therapy and self-help groups—the pros and cons.

Presents a review of self-help resources and on-line therapy in an effort to clarify the many issues of concern, and to further understand how the Internet can ethically be used to assist treatment of emotional and mental disorders. Protocols and methodologies for analyzing the value of self-help and therapy on-line are evaluated for the unique ethical dilemmas facing researchers in the field. The psychology of text-based relationships and support groups on-line are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)  [2]

Psychology and self-help groups: Predictions on a partnership.

Continued growth and increased legitimacy are anticipated for the American self-help group (SHG) phenomenon. Currently estimated at six and a quarter million participants annually, self-help groups will assume a central role in the nation’s mental health delivery system over the next two decades. The first part of this article illuminates the self-help group phenomenon itself. Its scope, characteristics, supporting social climate, and associated research issues are reviewed. The second part is a futuristic examination of its interface with the newly industrializing world of health care. Massive increases in mental health services are predicted, especially via the SHG format. Theory development, research sophistication, changing SHG formats, a place in public policy, and acceptance into graduate curricula are also expected, as are collaborative relationships with a variety of professional disciplines. Psychologists are urged to enhance the relevance of the profession by taking an early leadership role in these developments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) [3]

Rural Development – Self Help Group Success Story

Self help groups (SHGs) have been instrumental in women empowerment by enabling them to work together. Members engaged in development activities have the potential to empower them through the capacity building that underpin sustainable agriculture. The findings of the study reveals that women who never used to step outside the four walls of their home is now becoming business women and supplementing their family income.[4]

Assessing the Activities of Self-help Groups in Social Protection in Southeast Nigeria

Aim: This paper assessed the activities of self-help groups (SHGs) in social protection.

Study Design: Members of registered and non-registered SHGs were randomly selected and interviewed based on the activities of the groups in the study area.

Place: Southeast Nigeria at Latitude 5â°N and 7â°30′ and Longitude 5â°E and 10â°E.

Methodology: The study was conducted in the South-eastern states of Nigeria. Three states were eventually chosen for the study namely Abia, Anambra and Imo. A total of 108 registered SHGs were randomly selected and 540 members were interviewed; a total of 108 non-registered SHGs were also selected with; 540 members of the groups were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of data. [5]

Reference

[1] Borkman, T., 1976. Experiential knowledge: A new concept for the analysis of self-help groups. Social service review, 50(3), pp.445-456.

[2] King, S.A. and Moreggi, D., 1998. Internet therapy and self-help groups—the pros and cons.

[3] Jacobs, M.K. and Goodman, G., 1989. Psychology and self-help groups: Predictions on a partnership. American Psychologist, 44(3), p.536.

[4] Kaur, L. and Bajwa, H.S., 2016. Rural Development-Self Help Group Success Story. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, pp.1-9.

[5] Ejiogu, A.O., 2015. Assessing the activities of Self-Help Groups in social protection in Southeast Nigeria. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, pp.1-15.