THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-HELP GROUPS AND SUPPORT FOR THEM IN GERMANY
JÜRGEN MATZAT
DOI: 10.2190/9RVD-KPEC-M8PF-DDQN
Abstract
This article gives a broad overview over the development of self-help groups and support for them in Germany. Historic and political contexts of the German health and welfare systems are given. Reflecting the professional discussion in Germany, a basic typology of self-help groupings is suggested by definitions of anonymous groups, larger self-help organizations, and small self-help groups. The relationship between professional helpers and self-helpers, the remarkable change in attitudes over the last decades, are described in historic phases. The "Kontaktstelle fr Selbsthilfegruppen" (self-help advice center), a widespread professional approach in Germany for promoting and supporting self-help groups, is presented. The latest development in German politics is reported, which leads to a strong commitment of sick funds to support self-help substantially. The article closes with a prospective view of possible further developments on Germany's self-help scene. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.