Computer-Based Self-Help Groups for Sexual Abuse Survivors

The growth of the self-help movement and the rapid expansion of computer communications has led to a variety of computer- based self-help/mutual aid (CSHMA) groups, including computer- based self-help groups for those with issues related to recovery from sexual abuse. Preliminary data are analyzed to determine the extent of use, participation patterns, and norms of these groups. The potential advantages of CSHMA groups for sex abuse survivors include: providing greater access to support, diffusing dependency needs, meeting the needs of those with esoteric concerns, reducing barriers related to social status cues, encouraging participation of reluctant members, promoting relational communication, and enhancing communication of those with interpersonal difficult~es. Potential disadvantages, including destructive interactions, lack of clear and accountable leadership, superficial self disclosure, promoting social isolation, limited access to noncomputer-using populations, and lack of research about benefits and user satisfaction are also discussed.