GROW (support group)
Grow is a peer support and mutual-aid organization for recovery from, and prevention of, serious mental illness. Grow was founded in Sydney, Australia in 1957 by Father Cornelius B. "Con" Keogh, a Roman Catholic priest, and psychiatric patients who sought help with their mental illness in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Consequently, Grow adapted many of AA's principles and practices. As the organization matured, Grow members learned of Recovery International, an organization also created to help people with serious mental illness, and integrated aspects of its will-training methods. As of 2005 there were more than 800 Grow groups active worldwide. Grow groups are open to anyone who would like to join, though they specifically seek out those who have a history of psychiatric hospitalization or are socioeconomically disadvantaged. "Grow" is not an acronym. Much of Grow's initial development was made possible with support from Orval Hobart Mowrer, Reuben F. Scarf, W. Clement Stone and Lions Clubs International.
Processes
Grow's literature includes the Twelve Stages of Decline, which indicate that emotional illness begins with self-centeredness, and the Twelve Steps of Personal Growth, a blend of AA's Twelve Steps and will-training methods from Recovery International. Grow members view recovery as an ongoing life process rather than an outcome and are encouraged to continue following the Steps after completing them in order to maintain their mental health.
|
The Twelve Stages of Decline
|
The Twelve Steps of Recovery and Personal Growth
|
Results of qualitative analysis
Statistical evaluations of interviews with Grow members found they identified self-reliance, industriousness, peer support, and gaining a sense of personal value or self-esteem as the essential ingredients of recovery. Similar evaluations of Grow's literature revealed thirteen core principles of Grow's program. They are reproduced in the list below by order of relevance, with a quote from Grow's literature, explaining the principle.
|
|
Effectiveness
Participation in Grow has been shown to decrease the number of hospitalizations per member as well as the duration of hospitalizations when they occur. Members report an increased sense of security and self-esteem, and decreased anxiety. A longitudinal study of Grow membership found time involved in the program correlated with increased autonomy, environmental mastery, personal Growth, self-acceptance and social skills. Women in particular experience positive identity transformation, build friendships and find a sense of community in Grow groups.
Literature
The program of personal growth, generally referred to as the 'Blue Book', is the main book used in Grow groups (94 pages). It is divided into three sections based on the developmental stages of members: 'Beginning Growers', 'Progressing Growers' and 'Seasoned Growers'. There are related books used in conjunction with the Blue Book:
- Grow (2014). A Program of Personal Growth (the "Blue Book"). Brisbane, Australia: Grow.
- Grow Australia (2022). Growing to Recovery (the "Green Book"). Grow Australia. ISBN 978-0-646-85944-6.
- Keogh, Cornelius B. (1975). Readings for mental health (the "Brown Book"). Sydney, Australia: Grow Publications. ISBN 0-909114-00-5. OCLC 47699449.
- Mussey, Carol (n.d.). Steps to Recovery: An Anthology of Literature (the "Aqua Book"). Grow.
- Waters, Anne (2005). Growing to Maturity: A Potpourri of Readings for Mental Health (the "Lavender Book"). Grow in Ireland Ltd. ISBN 0-9529198-2-6.
See also
- Emotions Anonymous
- Neurotics Anonymous
- Recovery International (formerly Recovery, Inc.)
- Self-help groups for mental health