The impact of self-help groups on the mental health of widows and widowers.

Abstract

Thirty-six widowers and 466 widows were studied over a one-year period to determine the impact of self-help groups on their mental health. Participants were compared to similarly bereaved psychotherapy patients as well as to those who sought no formal help. Significant positive changes were found to have occurred only for those who participated actively in the self-help groups.