Who goes to GROW?

Abstract

GROW is a self help group which commenced in Sydney 30 years ago to assist mental patients rehabilitate. Some fear that this is not occurring. This study aimed to assess, by questionnaires, the mental health status of GROW attenders in Western Australia. There was a 93% response rate with demographic variables similar to an earlier Australia-wide survey. Individual scores on the GHQ and a Work, Leisure and Family Life Questionnaire showed a higher level of dysfunction than that in a "normal" population with men, on the average, scoring higher than women. Questions on medical care indicated that between 50-70% of attenders had previously been treated for a nervous condition. It is concluded that GROW is reaching a group of people with significant mental morbidity.