Experiência religiosa em grupos de auto-ajuda: o exemplo de neuróticos anônimos

Abstract

The article presents the defining characteristics of the self-help groups, describes the recovery program of the Neurotics Anonymous group and briefly revises the role of religion in psychological and general health. The article also explores the religious aspect of the author's Master degree research, about recovery in Neurotics Anonymous self-help group. Portions of interviews are cited as discussion's examples. The religious experience presented by Neurotics Anonymous' members apeared as a determinant in their process of recovery in a way that makes difficult to distinguish between the two. The religious experience is a requirement for "cure" because the group's recovery program is a therapeutic version of the biblical doctrine basic principles.