Sees introduction of specific structures and exercises in psychotherapy group as directly controlling course of events and affecting members' perceptions of the group and leader. Asserts that exercises must highlight, rather than bypass, existing group processes. Presents five-step model for preparing, working with, processing, generalizing, and…

Reviews literature concerning newcomers in groups in different settings. Presents a general model examining factors felt to be important for successful assimilation in group psychotherapy, i.e., overcoming resistance to join group, clarifying group process, examining client's in-group behavior, and confirming client's expectations. (BH)

Contrasts open and closed therapeutic groups in the context of group development research, and reanalyzes data applying the Hill Interaction Matrix. Results supported the existence of a discernable process of development in the closed groups, while open groups with residual members showed counterproductive activity. (LLL)

Examines proposition that covert roles within a group are assigned to individual group members based on their propensity to verbally or nonverbally express certain patterns of unwanted, disowned, and projected emotions that are experienced as threatening by other members. Focuses on articulating a model, describing a method, and presenting…

Used Hill Interaction Matrix to measure content and quality of interactions in 12-hour therapy group of 12 male drug addicts and 3 therapists. Categories of therapeutic work included conventional, assertive, speculative, and confrontive; categories of content included topic, group, personal, and relationship. Group was highly confrontive; most…

Addresses the role of metaphoric expression in groups, providing a rationale for its therapeutic potential and suggesting methods for illuminating it as a means of understanding and promoting group development. Several case examples are provided. (Author)

Examines the proposition that members of a group unconsciously displace the shadow of the group onto other groups to reduce feelings of internal conflict and threat within the group. Characteristics of the group shadow, as well as its psychodynamic function within and between groups are described. (Author/BL)

Eight "myths" about small group processes and outcomes are presented and matched against research and practice. Conclusions are drawn concerning benefits of group experience, group composition, leader impact, role of structural exercises, function of the "here-and-now," self-disclosure and feedback, understanding group processes, and the long-term…

Explored the nature of cohesion in groups formed to affect personal change. Members (N=227) of eight therapy groups completed the Three Factor Group Questionnaire. Results suggested risk-taking, attraction to individual group members, and the instrumental value of the group were all related to group cohesion. (Author/JAC)

Examined applicability of Bednar, Melnick, and Kaul's model of early group development to college student self-help groups using undergraduates (N=101) who met in high-structure or low-structure groups. Found amount of group structure was positively related to ownership of group functioning; importance of performing group behaviors was positively…

Addresses the following question: Do one-session meetings remain "aggregates" or can they develop some "group" forms? Considers the literature on phases of group development, one-session meetings, and the role of the worker in one-session meetings. Concluded that the one-session meeting can develop specific group forms.…

Examined the superiority of humor as it applied to the formal and informal status structures of six small, task-oriented groups in business and health care. In the more professional and highly trained groups in health care, high-status individuals were integral parts of the humor network and enjoyed no particular "joking monopoly."…

Describes and integrates a multidimensional approach for measuring and understanding small group process. Reviews the construct of cohesion and applies the multidimensional approach to evidence, both conceptual and empirical, resulting from studies of cohesion. Discusses observations and conclusions regarding cohesion and its current state. (BH)

Presents a model to remedy the problem of groups with poor cohesion, energy, and interaction. The Dynamic Commitment Design promotes group growth through the "fish-bowl" effect. Members currently committed to therapy who wish to make contact form the inner circle, while those wishing to withdraw move outside the circle. (BH)

Model developed to enhance understanding of group processes and dynamics and to help plan for intervention and research in treatment or task groups. Presents a cognitive map of a group, incorporating five sets of group variables: (1) member characteristics; (2) behaviors; (3) group characteristics; (4) episodes; and (5) output. (Author/NRB)