Problems of evaluative research into group phychotherapy outcome

Theoretical Issues in Clinical Social Group Work

This article reviews relevant issues in the practice of clinical social group work. The following issues are reviewed: group versus individual treatment, the advantages of group work, rationale for the use of the group work approach, group conditions for change, the role of the worker in groups, group composition, technique and method in group practice, time as a dimension in group work, pretherapy training, precautions in group therapy, and methodological difficulties in social group work The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of issues reviewed for clinical social group work

The Long-termi Effects of Group Psychotherapy:A Thirteen-year Follow-up Study

This paper describes a thirteen-year follow-up study of three separate psychoanalytic outpatient groups with a total of eighteen group participants. The study formed part of an outcome research project carried out over a period of sixteen years and based on a before-and-after survey and follow-ups after one-and-a-half and thirteen years. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and quantify the long-term effectiveness of the group therapy experience.

Verbal participation and group therapy outcome

The relationships between patients speaking out and measured outcome were investigated over 18 months in an out-patient group. The parameters of therapeutic progress were derived from the Symptom Check List and individualized repertory grid rating scales. Each patient's verbal participation was compared to that of other group members and to his own participation over other measurement phases. Speaking out phases were associated with more chance of change and improvement, while silent phases were associated with less chance of change and an increased likelihood of negative change. This study demonstrates the use of a relatively non-disruptive measurement model in testing clinical hypotheses in single psychotherapy groups.

A new application of closed group psychotherapy in a public psychiatric hospital

This paper describes an intensive group psychotherapy treatment program in a public psychiatric hospital to which patients with severe personality disorder are referred. A unique structure within the patient/staff community is described concerning the inter-relationships of the closed psychotherapy groups and the relationships between the groups and staff within the broader therapeutic milieu. The regular arrival and departure of the closed groups serves to activate relevant latent instinctual conflicts which are of significance in personality disorder. The advantages of this approach to treatment of personality disorder are discussed and the results of evaluation of progress of the unit's first eleven closed groups are presented.