Journal article

Publication year: 2005

Pages: 373-387

Journal: Zeitschrift für psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie : Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychosomatische Medizin und Ärztliche Psychotherapie (DGPM)

Volume number: 51

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 1438-3608

Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht

Abstract: 

Objectives: Patients' self-help group participation has been neglected in psychotherapy research. This study determines previous self-help group experience, therapist recommendations and plans for future participation.

Methods: 1,604 patients were surveyed by questionnaire at intake and discharge from psychosomatic treatment regarding previous self-help experiences, therapist recommendation and plans for future self-help participation.

Results: Patients with self-help experience (12 %) were slightly older and more educated. They reported a longer duration of disease, more previous psychotherapy, more interpersonal problems and less social support compared to non-participants. At discharge, a total of 23 % intended to participate in a self-help group. Therapist recommendations (in 19 %) influenced patients' choices.

Conclusions: The significance of self-help group participation in inpatient care, its significance in treatment careers and implications for consulting patients are discussed.

Harvard Citation style: Höflich, A., Meyer, F., Matzat, J., Hartmann, S., Lotzemer-Jentges, A., Bleichner, F., et al. (2005) Utilization and significance of self-help groups in treatment careers of psychosomatic inpatients, Zeitschrift für psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie : Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychosomatische Medizin und Ärztliche Psychotherapie (DGPM), 51(4), pp. 373-387

APA Citation style: Höflich, A., Meyer, F., Matzat, J., Hartmann, S., Lotzemer-Jentges, A., Bleichner, F., Knickenberg, R., & Beutel, M. (2005). Utilization and significance of self-help groups in treatment careers of psychosomatic inpatients. Zeitschrift für psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie : Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychosomatische Medizin und Ärztliche Psychotherapie (DGPM). 51(4), 373-387.