@article{25447,
  keywords = {Socialization, Social Support, Self-help groups, Psychoneuroimmunology, Psychological Theory, Learning, Immunocompetence, Humans},
  author = {Stewart M J},
  title = {Expanding theoretical conceptualizations of self-help groups.},
  abstract = {<p>Self-help groups, a prevalent and significant source of social support, manifest the public-participation premise of primary health care. Yet, self-help studies have typically lacked theoretical grounding. Psychoneuroimmunological and social-learning theories could contribute to the theoretical understanding of self-help groups. As self-help groups can mitigate the impact of natural social-network losses, they could help prevent health disorders via an immunocompetence-maintenance function. Health professionals could consider this possibility in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation. Furthermore, health professionals could take steps to enhance self-efficacy and collective efficacy, derivative concepts of social-learning theory germane to self-help groups. Therefore, pertinent concepts and creative linkages are proposed in a preliminary attempt to initiate a self-help group theoretical framework for health professionals.</p>
},
  year = {1990},
  journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)},
  volume = {31},
  pages = {1057-66},
  issn = {0277-9536},
  language = {eng},
}