The goal of this study is to develop a robust theory that explains how participation in a Consumer-Run Organization (CRO) can lead to positive individual outcomes. To accomplish this goal, existing theoretical explanations are reviewed. Using the previously unapplied theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism and more specifically, Stryker’s Identity Theory, these varying theoretical explanations are then integrated to create a model explaining how CROs can contribute to positive outcomes. This theoretical model is then empirically explored through two separate studies. The first uses open-ended short answer questions to understand how CRO members benefit from participation. The second uses participant observation and minimally structured interviews to generate life stories that explore how CRO participation has altered an individual’s life course. The original explanatory model proved helpful but partially inadequate in accounting for the results. This leads to model revisions and the development of a more robust theoretical explanation of how CRO lead to positive outcomes. Discussion focuses on explaining this revised explanatory model, exploring how it does and does not account for the results. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Psychology / "December 2005."

Community coalitions are prime vehicles for fostering social support within communities and prominent mechanisms for building local capacities to address health and social concerns. However, sustaining these entities beyond initial efforts and funding is difficult. What has kept members participating in and committed to the work of the Clarkston (Georgia) Health Collaborative, a community coalition, nearly 15 years after its inception? Prior research has examined several variables that predict overall participation and commitment in community-based coalitions, however, the literature has largely focused on coalitions that are topic driven (e.g., diabetes, gang violence, drugs, or obesity). These studies fail to identify those factors that are important in sustaining efforts in non-topic-based (i.e., there is no singular focus, but topics are community generated and vary), non-grant-funded community coalitions. This cross-sectional study examines member engagement as a sustaining factor of coalitions. Members of the Clarkston Health Collaborative (N = 93), ages 21 to 70 years and representing various sectors of the community, as well as racial and ethnic backgrounds, were surveyed as part of a coalition assessment in 2007 and 2008 in Clarkston, Georgia. Predictors that influence their participation and commitment, key components of engagement, are analyzed. These components were: leadership, social resources, sense of community, empowerment, member satisfaction, communication, decision making, and participation benefits. Based on the review of the literature, specific mediating relationships are hypothesized. A mixed-methods approach is employed, including path analysis that tests how well process models fit the coalition data, as well as key informant interviews by coalition members. Toward a conceptual model of engagement, findings supported the hypothesis that effective leadership increases member participation through increased social resources. Findings also supported the hypotheses that shared decision making and effective leadership increases member commitment through increased member satisfaction. Clear communication and sense of community were also factors that contributed to increased participation and commitment. These findings have implications for intervention, policy, and research, including a need for interventions that recognize the contexts of influence that foster member engagement in community-based coalitions. In addition, insight is gained for the planning and implementation of other coalitions to help ensure coalition sustainability.