Discussion Groups for Medical Patients: A Vehicle for Improved Coping

Describing 14 professionally run discussion groups for multiple sclerosis patients, this paper delineates appropriate functions and goals of the medical discussion group. Such groups address coping activities related to affiliation with a social reference group, information seeking and, in a more limited way, consolidation of intrapsychic resources. The discussion describes the dynamic issues which arise in the groups and explores ways in which group dynamics interact with the medical format. In conclusion, we have discussed ways in which medical discussion groups address coping activities related to affiliation with a social reference group, information seeking, and, in a more limited way, consolidation of intrapsychic resources. We have discussed the dynamic issues which arise in these groups and have explored ways in which general group dynamics are modified by the medical format.