J. Herrle et Mc. Angermeyer, PSYCHOTHERAPY INSTEAD OF SOCIAL SUPPORT - THE ROLE OF THE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT NETWORK IN THE UTILIZATION OF THERAPEUTIC OFFERS, Zeitschrift fur klinische Psychologie, 26(1), 1997, pp. 58-67
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.