Zentrum für Psychosoziale Medizin Institut für Medizin-Soziologie 21 The development and implementation of formal self- help support in (Western-)Germany End of 80ies and in the 90ies self-help research is mainly focusing on self-help support and co-operation Nowadays the focus is often laid on New forms of self-help, e.g.: Virtual self-help, new media, Differentiating between different sub- and target-groups in order to promote self-help activities (socially deprived, immigrants etc.) Professionalization of self-help, political influence, Effectivity and efficiency, Influences on self-help groups and organizations by industrial companies, health care insurers and political decision makers, …
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