STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPOLOGY OF SUPPORT GROUPS IN CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Abstract

The article examines the pressing issue of support groups as a specific form of social-psychological interaction aimed at overcoming life difficulties, maintaining mental health, and developing personal resources. The essence of support groups is described through the lens of a phenomenological approach, which allows for the exploration of participants’ inner experiences, their feelings about group participation, and the transformation of personal identity through interaction. It has been established that support groups are based on the principles of participant equality, emotional safety, confidentiality, and subsidiarity, creating a unique space for mutual aid and self-development. Eight core functions of support groups have been identified and described: emotional, informational, normative, corrective, motivational, adaptive, social-integrative, and resource-oriented, which encompass the emotional, cognitive, social, and resource dimensions of personality. A comprehensive typology of support groups is presented according to six criteria: purpose of creation (crisis, developmental, educational), participant composition (homogeneous, heterogeneous), duration of existence (short-term, longterm), organizational structure (formal, informal), mode of delivery (in-person, online), and level of professional involvement (professional facilitators, peer-to-peer). Specific forms of activity for each type of group are described, enabling appropriate selection of mutual aid formats according to participants’ needs. It has been demonstrated that support groups serve as a valuable tool for psychological assistance, their effectiveness being determined by clear awareness of goals and functions, and appropriate selection of group type depending on participants’ specific needs.