The purpose of the review of literature presented here is to examine research on the effectiveness of self-directed therapy (sometimes termed the "self-help" therapy approach). The review is restricted to strategies and techniques that can be used for a diverse conditions, illnesses or afflictions, although examples of the general efficacy of the techniques are provided with respect to specific illnesses.
Self-directed therapy consists of diverse strategies and techniques in which patients take responsibility for the administration of some elements of their own care (Beutler, Mohr, Grawe & Engle, 1991); these strategies and techniques have been applied to a variety of physical and psychological/emotional illness and afflictions. Research studies of the efficacy of self-directed therapy for both categories of conditions are examined here.
Self-Directed Therapy and Physical Illness and Afflictions
Many physical illnesses and afflictions require the rehabilitation of physical processes. For example, stroke patients or head injury patients often have to undertaken many physical exercises before their functioning is restored. While traditionally, most of these exercises were administered by a physical therapist, many hospitals and HMOs are now allowing patients to administer at least some of their own physical therapy (a form of self-directed therapy).
There are indications that patient administration of some of their physical therapy is an effective and cost-efficient alternative to having physical therapists administer all exercises. For example, Newall, Wood, Hewer and Tinson (1997) examined the effectiveness of self-directed therapy for stroke patients.
The design of the study comprised five one-week observation periods conducted over two years, with a total of 67 stroke patients who received medical treatment plus self-directed therapy consisting of patients engaging in a number of self-exercises designed to re...