| Abstract: | Collected self-report data from 37 pretest clients and 26 of the same clients at posttest who participated in 6 counseling center therapy groups. Questionnaires assessed 6 functionally different types of social support provided from 2 sources, therapy group members vs persons outside the group, together with pre- and posttest levels of 3 distress symptoms, which were depression, self-esteem, and psychological symptoms of stress. Significant improvement in symptoms was noted during the 8-wk interventions, and this improvement was related to the availability of social support, depending on the type and source of support. In general, support from sources outside the therapy group appeared to have the most impact. Levels of certain types of support differed in groups depending on whether or not the group was composed of members with a common presenting concern. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
