Could you post links to some of that research? Thanks
Gillian Kranias <[log in to unmask]> on 2003-01-02 08:38:09
Please respond to Health Promotion on the Internet <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
cc: (bcc: Connie Chapman/HC-SC/GC/CA)
Subject: Health Benefits found in Advocacy Group Efforts
We have seen a fair amount of research documenting the health benefits of
mutual aid experienced in self-help support groups. This research shows
interesting links with advocacy activities providing similar health
promotion benefits for group members.
Gillian Kranias
Coordinator, Ontario Self-Help Network (OSHNET)
Self-Help Resource Centre (SHRC)
40 Orchard View Blvd., Ste. 219,
Toronto, ON M4R 1B9
Tel: (416) 487-4355
Toll-Free: 1-888-283-8806
Fax: (416) 487-0344
Email: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.selfhelp.on.ca
----- Original Message -----
From: Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2002 8:23 AM
Subject: [SLFHLP-L] Health Benefits found in Advocacy Group Efforts
Protesting May Be Good for Your Health
Dec 23, 2002
LONDON (Reuters Health) - Taking part in protests and demonstrations can be
good for your physical and mental health, a new British study suggests.
Psychologists at the University of Sussex found that people who get
involved in campaigns, strikes and political demonstrations experience an
improvement in psychological well-being that can help them overcome stress,
pain, anxiety and depression.
The finding fits in with other studies suggesting that positive experiences
and feeling part of a group can have beneficial effects on health.
"Collective actions, such as protests, strikes, occupations and
demonstrations, are less common in the UK than they were perhaps 20 years
ago," researcher Dr. John Drury said in a statement.
"The take-home message from this research therefore might be that people
should get more involved in campaigns, struggles and social movements, not
only in the wider interest of social change but also for their own personal
good."
The results emerged from in-depth interviews with nearly 40 activists from
a variety of backgrounds. Between them, they had more than 160 experiences
of collective action involving groups of demonstrators protesting against a
range of issues. These included fox-hunting, environmental damage and
industrial matters.
Volunteers were asked to describe what it was about taking part in such
collective action that made them feel so good.
"Many published activist accounts refer to feelings of encouragement and
confidence emerging from experiences of collective action," said Drury.
"But it is not always clear how and why such empowerment occurs, so we
aimed to explain what factors within a collective action event contribute
to such feelings."
He said the interviews revealed that the key factors were that participants
felt they had a collective identity with fellow protestors. They also
derived a sense of unity and mutual support from taking part.
Such was the strength of the feelings they experienced that the effects
appear to be sustained over a period of time.
"Empowering events were almost without exception described as joyous
occasions," said Drury. "Participants experienced a deep sense of happiness
and even euphoria in being involved in protest events. Simply recounting
the events in the interview brought a smile to the face of the
interviewees."
From Reuters
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nm/20021223/hl_nm/protests_demonstrations_dc
Wishing all a happry, healthy, and productive new year,
- Ed Madara
American & NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouses
www.selfhelpgroups.org
Keyword-searchable database of over one thousand "self-help" support groups
for any specific illness, disability, addiction, bereavement situation,
parenting, caregiver concern, abuse, or other stressful life situation.
Listing of local non-profit self-help group clearinghouses worldwide.
Sections with suggestions on starting both community and online groups,
research studies, a registry for those trying to start new national or
international support networks that don't yet exist in the world, and more.
If you prefer to phone to get group infomation, the Clearinghouse is
located in NJ and may be reached by phoning (973) 326-6789. For a helpful
"hardcopy" guide to groups, a new 7th Edition of its Self-Help Group
Sourcebook was just published this Fall - see website for ordering
information. To find 9/11 support and advocacy organizations, enter "9/11"
into the search engine.
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