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Helper theory or the helper-therapy principle was first described by Frank Riessman (1965) in an article published in the journal ''Social Work.'' The principle suggests that when an individual (the "helper") provides assistance to another person, the helper may benefit. Riessman's model has inspired subsequent research and practice by scholars, clinicians, and indigenous populations to address a variety of social and health-related issues plaguing individuals and communities around the world. == Riessman's formulation == Riessman's seminal article explored how nonprofessionals supported one another in self-help/mutual-aid support groups based on Riessman's observations of a sample of these groups, as well as his summary of the findings of research in the areas of social work, education, and leadership. This article suggested that although the "use of people with a problem to help other people who have the same problem in () more severe form" is "an age-old therapeutic approach," the traditional focus on outcomes for those receiving help to the exclusion of considering outcomes for those providing help is too narrow; instead, Riessman advocated for increased consideration of the experience of "the individual that needs the help less, that is, the person who is providing the assistance" because "frequently it is he who improves!" (p. 27). Although Riessman expressed doubt that individuals receiving help always benefit from the assistance provided to them, he felt more sure that individuals providing help are likely experiencing important gains; thus, according to Riessman, the helping interaction at least has the potential to be mutually beneficial for both parties involved (i.e., for both the individual giving and for the individual receiving aid), but it is not absolutely necessary for the "helpee" to benefit in order for the "helper" to enjoy the benefits of helping. In instances where true mutual benefit occurs, the helper and helpee benefit in different ways, such that the person receiving help benefits by way of receiving whatever specific form of assistance is offered to them (e.g., emotional support, information, etc.) while the person providing help benefits by the very act of providing help, regardless of the type of aid they provide.〔 Riessman posited several different mechanisms which may facilitate the benefits experienced by an individual engaged in a helping role: # gaining an improved self-image; # becoming more committed to a position through the process of advocating it (i.e., "self-persuasion through persuading others"); # experiencing meaningful development of abilities after having been given a stake in a system and learning through teaching others; # gaining access to a socially-valued role and the resultant sense of social status and importance; # enjoying opportunities to affirm one's own wellness following placement in a system as a role model; and # shifting one's focus from self-concerns and problems to assisting others (and thus distracting oneself from ongoing difficulties).〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Helper theory」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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