Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Among young people with chronic illness, mutual aid is likely to be of valuable assistance in their rehabilitation. The benefits of mutual aid stem from the possibility that it prolongs the effect of the contribution of human services, which generally cannot be provided for any great length of time due to their high cost. Given the potential benefits of mutual aid, it is imperative to clarify ways for helping professionals to maximize these benefits. The clarification is necessary to verify untested theories and suggestions about helping professionals’ inputs to mutual aid. Moreover, research literature pertaining to mutual aid among young people is particularly lacking. Based on data from two focus groups involving helping professionals in Hong Kong, this study seeks to demonstrate the relevance of theoretically based group work strategies in the mutual aid and rehabilitation of young people with chronic illness. These strategies include identifying commonalities and setting priorities, encouraging reciprocal transactions and mutual assistance, balancing support with demand, optimizing inputs between helping professionals and members, and bridging members with relevant others in the community. Research and service implications of the findings for engendering efficient helping professionals’ inputs contributive to the long-term development of young people are discussed.