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The Power of the Peer: Why can the same experience create a strong community?
In a support group, members often provide a variety of non-professional and non-material assistance to help each other cope with specific common characteristics, which is often a burden.Members in this group come together because of the same problem, sharing coping strategies, enhancing self-feeling, and creating a sense of community.The forms of help may include providing and evaluating relevant information, sharing personal experiences, listening and accepting other people’s experiences, providing empathy and understanding, and building a social network.Support groups may also be committed to raising public awareness or participating in advocacy activities.
Support groups can create resonance in their respective lives and help members find each other's strength.This power stems from the resonance of experience and can inspire each other.
History
While formal support groups seem to be a modern phenomenon, these groups complement traditional fraternal organizations (such as Freemasonry) in some ways and are built on the support functions of former extended families.Other types of organizations focus on supporting certain causes, which are more often called advocacy groups, interest groups, lobbying groups, etc.For example, trade unions and many environmental organizations are interest groups.The support group mentioned in this article focuses on mutual assistance support with peers.
Maintain connection
Support groups maintain interpersonal connections between members in a variety of ways.Traditionally, groups gather in person to keep the scale of conversations and interactions.The support team also maintains contact through printed communications, telephone links, internet forums and mailing lists.Some support groups run purely online.Membership in some support groups is controlled and requires application and payment of dues, while others are "open" to allow anyone to attend announcement meetings or participate in online forums.
Peer or Professional Management
Self-support groups are organized and managed entirely by members, usually volunteers and people with relevant experience.These groups can also be called friendship groups, peer support groups, non-professional organizations, mutual assistance groups or mutual self-help groups.The most common are 12-step process groups, such as the Anonymous Alcohol Association and Mental Health Self-Health Group.Professionally operated support groups are led by professionals who usually don’t share the same issues with their members, such as social workers, psychologists, or clergy.These leaders control discussions and provide other management services.Such professionally operated groups are commonly found in institutional venues such as hospitals, drug treatment centers and correction agencies. These groups may operate at specific times and sometimes charge participation fees.
Type
If it is for a certain disease, identity, or premonition, the support group can provide information, act as a platform for the exchange of experiences, and may become a public relations voice for the affected person and his or her family.For example, groups targeting high IQ or LGBTQIA+ individuals vary in inclusion, but all connect people based on identity or premonition.For more temporary issues, such as bereavement or occasional medical conditions, support groups may be more inclined to help the person involved overcome or advance their situation/experience.
Online Support Group
Since 1982, the Internet has provided a field of support groups.Discussions on online self-help support groups are also pioneers of electronic therapy, and the study notes that “the lasting success of these groups strengthens the potential of computer-media communication and can promote discussion of sensitive personal issues.” Through a study on the effectiveness of online support groups for head and neck cancer patients, long-term participation in online support groups can promote the improvement of health-related quality of life.
It is still difficult to find the right group.A researcher from University College London pointed out that the lack of a quality catalog and the fact that many support groups are not listed by search engines makes it difficult.
Strengths and Traps
Multiple studies show the importance of the Internet in providing social support, especially for groups with chronic health problems.Especially when facing uncommon diseases, despite the geographical distance, it can create a sense of community, mutual understanding, and share knowledge.According to Henry Potts of the University of London, these online support groups are “a neglected resource for patients”.
Many studies focus on the content of messages, and what is important is the impact of participating groups on individuals.Potts complained that the research of these groups was lagging behind, especially by people facing problems, rather than by researchers and medical professionals.User-involved groups can share practical knowledge that health professionals may ignore and influence how individuals find, interpret and use information.Several studies have shown that participants in online support groups have received psychological comfort.
These types of support groups can bring relief to people in their respective lives or experiences. How powerful is the power of their peers for those who face challenges together?
