Abstract
M.A.
This action research study explored the development and workings of a monthly, openended
depression and anxiety support group based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Although the growth of mutual-aid groups has escalated over the past three decades, there
is little research on support groups created solely for the purpose of servicing depression
and anxiety sufferers. Researchers have indicated that support and information at these
meetings may prove to be a valuable and effective intervention which helps sufferers
come to terms with their condition (Miller, 1987; Stein, Zungu-Dirwayi, Wessels, Berk &
Wilson, 1998).
The study at hand aimed to elucidate the ways in which the depression and anxiety
support group was experienced as helpful, as well as those areas which could be
improved to increase the effectiveness of the group system.
The support group was examined over an eleven-month period, November 1999 –
October 2000, during which time the progress and experiences of three new group
members was specifically observed and chronicled.
Seven participants, including three members of a support group catering for black
depression and anxiety sufferers, were initially sourced and screened for inclusion in the
study. Although not intentional, the three subjects that finally fulfilled the criteria for
inclusion in the study were all white females attending the Johannesburg support group.
Relevant data on the three participants was collected systematically over this period
through a process of triangulation. Methods included structured and semi-structured
interviews, written reports, questionnaires and participant observation. The grounded
theory approach allowed the researcher to work inductively with the data and to discern
and explore the connections between elements and patterns that emerged in the analysis.
An integration of the research data revealed that the group was primarily helpful to
participants through the factors of universality, cohesion, didactic instruction and
downward social comparison.
Furthermore, the results indicated that participants presenting with prominent avoidant
personality disorder (APD), as measured by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II,
are likely to strongly value the relief from social isolation that the support group setting
affords them, as well as gaining comfort from belonging to and being accepted by a
group and improving their interpersonal skills.
On the negative front, the group would or could not move beyond a formative, early stage
of group development. As a result, its members were either caught in a repetitive cycle
of exploring the same territory or lost interest after a relatively short period of time and
terminated membership.
Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that members be afforded the
opportunity of attending a more advanced therapy group once they feel they have gained
the necessary relief from the primary support group. The support group plays a valuable
role of reassuring members that they are not alone in their suffering, offering them the
learning experience of being accepted by a group and introducing them to group format
and protocol. However, once a foundation has been established, it is likely that members
would benefit from joining a more advanced group in which interpersonal learning and
role modelling is emphasized. Members need an arena where they can explore their
behaviour and feelings in depth, and with other members who are functioning at a similar
level.
It is hoped that the findings of this study will increase understanding of support group
functioning, provide suggestions for future research involving APD clients and
depression and/or anxiety sufferers in support gr oup settings and make some contribution
towards theory-building in this field.