PSYCHOTHERAPY INSTEAD OF SOCIAL SUPPORT - THE ROLE OF THE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT NETWORK IN THE UTILIZATION OF THERAPEUTIC OFFERS

The role of the social support network has rarely been addressed regar ding the utilization and acceptance of psychotherapy. On the basis of existing research findings, two explanatory models are discussed in th is article: The ''deficit model'' holds that the use of psychotherapy is an expression of insufficient support resources; according to the ' 'competence model'' a supportive network reflects social and relations hip skills that also facilitate entering psychotherapy. These mechanis ms are studied in depressed patient after discharge from inpatient tre atment (N = 207) with respect to the utilization of individual psychot herapy and the acceptance of a cognitive-behavioural group program. As for nonkin support, distict effects emerge in line with an extended c ompetence model. When diagnostic status is accounted for, the acceptan ce of the group program can be positively predicted by kin instrumenta l crisis support in remitted patients and negatively in the non-remitt ed patient group.