SUPPORT GROUPS AS SHOCK-ABSORBERS IN PERIODS OF TRANSITION - A CASE-STUDY OF GROUPS FOR PARENTS OF SOLDIERS IN ISRAEL

The special characteristics of support groups place them at the crossr oads between the individual and society. Among these characteristics, we can point to the group as a microcosm, as a primary group, and as a n entity which conducts social interaction with its environment. An an alysis of data drawn from five support groups for families whose child ren have been despatched to the army, in an Israeli society in transit ion from a state of war to one of peace, points at four conflicts, wit h which they and society are concerned: dependency versus independence , passive versus active, pride versus fear and a conflict of values.