Social climates in community groups: Toward a taxonomy

Abstract

While community groups have often helped people cope with stress, little empirical research has been available to guide their use in prevention or treatment. To partly fill this gap, an empirical taxonomy of community groups was derived from ratings of 41 randomly selected groups on 35 dimensions of Group Structure, Function, and Membership Characteristics. Cluster analysis defined five types. By comparison with other associations, Self-Interest (e.g., liberation and minority) groups rated lower in regulations and had members who were newer to the community. Self-Help groups were highly regulated settings providing support, integration, and developmental aids. Their members had few social relations apart from the family. Social Communion groups rated high on the provision of support for members often living without family. Civic Development groups rated highest on dimensions emphasizing personal development for persons with external sources of support and status. Finally, Recreation groups were casual and briefly attended groups. Their members were younger and less often married than those in other associations. Strategies for group referrals may be implied.