Self- help programs, especially the ones based on online coaching where the person doing the program is basically the one controlling the process are becoming more and more popular. With the e-coaching program all you get is guidelines on how to improve daily/weekly and certain pieces of advice. Some of e-coaching programs also include various chats, or email exchanges with you coach while using various technologies. A number of research has been done in order to figure out whether various self-help programs are any effective and if the troubled person going through serious issues are really the one able to help himself. Here we will overlook the number of researches and their summaries.
1. A Comparative Evaluation of Substance Abuse Treatment: V. Substance Abuse Treatment Can Enhance the Effectiveness of Self-Help Groups (Center for Health Care Evaluation and Program Evaluation and Resource Center, Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California) 1998
This study compares the results of two groups of alcohol dependent patients: the ones from professional substance abuse treatment services, mainly provided by the government to the ones taking self-help programs.The present study of 3018 treated veterans examined how the theoretical orientation of a substance abuse treatment program affects the proportion of its patients that participate in self-help groups, and, the degree of benefit patients derive from participation in self-help groups. Patients treated in 12-Step and eclectic treatment programs had higher rates of subsequent participation in 12-Step self-help groups than did patients treated in cognitive behavioral programs. Furthermore, the theoretical orientation of treatment moderated the outcome of self-help group participation: As the degree of programs’ emphasis on 12-Step approaches increased, the positive relationships of 12-Step group participation to better substance use and psychological outcomes became stronger. Hence, it appears that 12-Step oriented treatment programs enhance the effectiveness of 12-Step self-help groups. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for clinical practice and for future evaluations of the combined effects of treatment and self-help groups.
2. Self-help interventions for smoking cessation. (Lancaster T., Stead LF., ICRF General Practice Research Group, Division of Public Health and Primary Health Care, Institute of Health Sciences) 2000
The aims of this review were to determine the effectiveness of different forms of self-help materials, compared with no treatment and with other minimal contact strategies; the effectiveness of adjuncts to self-help, such as computer generated feedback, telephone hotlines and pharmacotherapy; and the effectiveness of approaches tailored to the individual compared with non-tailored materials. Scientists searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register. Date of the most recent search September 1999. Self-help in this research was defined as structured programming for smokers trying to quit without intensive contact with a therapist. Forty-five trials were identified. Twenty seven compared self-help materials to no intervention or tested materials as an adjunct to advice. In nine trials in which self-help was compared to no intervention there was a pooled effect which just reached statistical significance (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.49). There was no evidence of benefit from adding self-help materials to face to face advice, or to nicotine replacement therapy. There was evidence from eight trials using materials which were tailored for the characteristics of individual smokers that such personalised materials were more effective than standard materials (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.75). Adding follow-up telephone calls from counsellors also appeared to increase quitting (odds ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.33 to 1.97). One trial of offering access to a hotline also showed an effect. The conclusion of this research says that Self-help materials may provide a small increase in quitting compared to no intervention. There is no evidence that they have an additional benefit over other minimal interventions such as advice from a health care professional, or nicotine replacement therapy. There is evidence that materials tailored for individual smokers are more effective.
3. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of Self-Help treatments for anxiety and depressive disorders in primary care: a systematic review (Bower P., Richards D., Lovell K.) 2001
Anxiety and depression are prevalent in primary care; however, current treatments differ in their availability, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability to patients. Self-help treatments (such as manual-based bibliotherapy) may be an appropriate intervention for some patients. The aim of this research was to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of self-help treatments for anxiety and depression in primary care by conducting a systematic review of randomised and non-randomised trials of self-help interventions for patients with anxiety and depression in primary care, from electronic database searches, correspondence with authors, and limited handsearching. Eight studies were identified, examining written interventions based mostly on behavioural principles. The majority of trials reported some significant advantages in outcome associated with self-help treatments. There were no data concerning long-term clinical benefits or cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, self-help treatments may have the potential to improve the overall cost-effectiveness of mental health service provision.
