SOCIAL SUPPORT IN SELF-HELP GROUPS, AS EXPERIENCED BY PERSONS HAVING CORONARY HEART-DISEASE AND THEIR NEXT OF KIN

Self-help groups related to coronary heart disease constitute a networ k for support in which the members of the group have the opportunity b oth to receive and provide social support. The purpose of this study w as to reach in-depth information from group members about lived experi ence of socialf support in a self-help group. A qualitative research m ethod influenced by phenomenology was used and the findings showed a p attern of social support that can be described as a sharing of experie nce among confident equals, thanks to mutual feelings of caring and be longing, which in turn strengthens confidence. The group members' expe rience of social support show that the group constitutes a cornerstone in a network for support and contributes to well-being, coping abilit y and a build up of confidence at the prospect of a more promising fut ure.