The media and self-help: a preventive community intervention

Abstract

This paper describes a preventive, media-based intervention implemented during a 9-month period in a major metropolitan area. The intervention consisted of placing actual self-help groups on a 50,000 watt radio station. During these weekly programs, the process of self-help was stressed; that is, people with similar problems offering one another support, encouragement, and solutions based on experience, not just theoretical knowledge. During the second part of the program, members of the audience were invited to call in and share their concerns with the self-help members. When community oriented psychologists collaborate with the media and self-help groups, there are unique organizational, interpersonal, and political issues that need to be carefully considered. These are discussed.