Support groups exist to combat or legitimise conditions or behaviours.

In the case of disease, an identity or a pre-disposition, for example, a support group can provide information, act as a clearing-house for experiences, and serve as a public relations voice for sufferers, other members, and their families. Compare Mensa International and gay pride, for example.

In the case of alleged ex-cult members or personal addictions, on the other hand, a support group may veer more towards helping those involved to overcome or move "beyond" their condition/experience. In this category one can place Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step programmes.

Overtly or otherwise, such groups provide social networks and extended help for their members. Compare group dynamics.

Two types of support groups are: self-help support groups, which are run by their members; and professionally run support groups, which are run by professionals.

Formal support groups may appear as a modern phenomenon, but they supplement traditional fraternal organizations such as Freemasonry in some respects, and may build on certain supportive functions (formerly) carried out in (extended) families.

See also

• Cancer support group