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What helps in self-help? A qualitative exploration of interactions within a borderline personality disorder self-help group

Abstract Background: Self-help groups can have a large impact on individuals well-being and could reduce costs for healthcare services. Previous research supports the effectiveness of self-help groups, but explanations for this are lacking. Identifying the active ingredients which encourage positive change could inform effectiveness of these groups producing the best outcomes for members. Aim: This research investigated how members and facilitators of a borderline personality disorder self-help group (BPD SHG) interacted and made sense of their experiences in group meetings, to determine what aspects of interaction were helpful. Method: Naturalistic data was collected from 10 participants via audio recording and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three emergent themes are discussed: humour, praise and experiential knowledge. Conclusion: These are suggested to be active ingredients which are critical for the effectiveness of this BPD SHG, with particular focus on the facilitator’s contribution.