BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUPS FOR FAMILIES OF ADULTS WITH SEVERE MENTAL-ILLNESS

Predictors of benefits derived from participating in support groups fo r families of persons with mental illness were examined. A survey of 1 31 families indicated that social support resources outside the group, us well as support received from and provided by the group, were asso ciated with information acquired by the participant. Improved relation ships with family and the ill relative were predicted by the participa nt's health and provision of support in the group.