Who Stays, Who Goes: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study of New Members of Consumer Run Organizations

Oliwier Dziadkowiec
Greg Meissen
Scott Wituk

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DOI: 10.2190/SH.6.2.h

Abstract

Consumer run-organizations (CROs) are participant-driven mutual aid/self-help settings that have acquired a non-profit status and relay on external grant support. CROs have their roots in self-help groups but besides hosting group meetings they also provide their participants with educational and leadership opportunities typically found in other small non-profit organizations. Active participation in CROs has been shown to have a positive impact on recovery from mental illness, yet we know little about the characteristics of people who are most likely to become long-time active CRO members. All new members (n = 172) of 10 CROs were interviewed at baseline and followed up at 12 months to see if they were still CRO members. Results of discriminant analysis indicated that individuals who were older, had larger social networks, lived longer in their communities, spent more time home alone, and scored lower on control in daily life were more likely to still be members of their respective CROs 12 months after their baseline interview. Discussion focused on understanding the characteristics of those who will and will not become long time members of CROs, and how this might impact the recruitment and retention practices, as well as organizational planning of CROs.

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