Researching Mutual Help Group Participation in a Segregated Society

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Abstract
Mutual help organizations are strongly influenced by the context in which they exist. Therefore, research on mutual help group participation among minority groups must take into account such contextual variables as racial and cultural segregation and the differing roles/attitudes of professionals and local gatekeepers in Black and White communities. To develop this argument, a study of 12-step mutual help group involvement after substance abuse treatment was conducted. One year after treatment intake, African American (n = 233) and White (n = 267) substance abusers were attending 12-step groups at comparable rates, but different factors predicted attendance for each racial group. Among Whites, more severe substance abuse problems and legal problems negatively predicted mutual help group involvement, whereas being treated in a residential setting and being treated for a longer period predicted mutual help group involvement positively. Among Blacks, length of treatment positively predicted mutual help involvement, whereas psychological problems predicted it negatively. For both racial groups, similarity of the individual's race to the predominant race in the area predicted mutual help involvement positively. That is, Whites in predominantly White areas and Blacks in predominantly Black areas were more likely to go to a group than were individuals who were locally in the racial minority. The implications of these findings and the politics of research on African American mutual help organizations are discussed.