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. 2024 Oct 29;24(1):2992.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-20432-w.

A UK national cross-sectional survey of stroke support groups: exploring the role of social identification and group processes in reducing loneliness

Laura Hollands  1   2 , Raff Calitri  3 , Catherine Haslam  4 , Ruth A Lamont  5 , Luke Mounce  3 , Mark Tarrant  6
Affiliations

A UK national cross-sectional survey of stroke support groups: exploring the role of social identification and group processes in reducing loneliness

Laura Hollands et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Loneliness is a common experience following stroke. Stroke support groups may protect against loneliness, but little is known about how these groups exert their influence. This research drew upon current theorising on the role of groups for health and explored i) social identification as a potential mechanism for overcoming loneliness, and ii) psychological group resources (support, control, self-esteem), and functional group processes (clear goals, group autonomy, member continuity) which might structure social identification.

Methods: Five hundred seventy-nine stroke survivors from 84 Stroke Association support groups across the UK completed a cross-sectional survey measuring: support group identification; psychological resources (given and received social support, control, self-esteem, identity centrality); functional processes (goal clarity, group autonomy, member continuity); and loneliness (3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale).

Results: Greater support group identification was associated with reduced loneliness (β = -0.45, p < 0.001). Given (β = 0.17, p = 0.001) and received (β = 0.10, p < 0.001) social support, goal clarity (β = 0.17, p = 0.002), and group member continuity (β = 0.19, p < 0.001) were all associated with greater support group identification.

Conclusions: Social identification with the group may be a mechanism by which stroke support groups alleviate loneliness, potentially through facilitating attendance, mutual social support and the development of collective goals. Further research should explore how these processes influence social identification in newly formed groups, where social identity has not yet been established.

Keywords: Group dynamics; Group processes; Group-based interventions; Loneliness; Peer support; Social identity; Social support; Stroke; Support group.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Stroke support group recruitment and reasons for non-participation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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