Suggests that drama, as well as training or therapy, may be employed as a useful research and practice paradigm in working with small groups. The implications of this view for group development as a whole, and for member and leader participation, are explored. (JAC)

Randomly assigned children between ages of three and eight years to sex, age, and race homogeneous three-person groups and asked them to engage in complex, gender-neutral task. On 13 task performance dimensions, found only one significant difference. Remaining 12 dimensions showed mixed but insignificant differences. Concluded that both genders…

Proposes a five-stage processing model, the Contextual Organization Model for Processing and Evaluation (COMPE), based on an analysis of stage theories in group development. The five potentially universal stages have been shown to have an analogous relationship to the stages of theories in many fields of psychology. (JAC)

Apparent success of the marathon groups in altering the perceptions of Black female heroin addicts toward the future, counseling, and themselves offers preliminary evidence that marathons may have potential as a counseling strategy with these clients. Future research needs to be performed to substantiate or reject these findings. (Author/PD)

Evaluated the effectiveness of a training group for health care workers (N=5) engaged in learning interpersonal skills. Two research confederates observed and recorded group process. While participants reported a positive experience to the trainer, a negative experience was reported among group members, suggesting the possibility of subject bias.…

Tested the impact of gestalt group therapy on aspects of self-concept in graduate students (N=33). Results showed a significant rise in decisiveness, general adaptation and self-criticism in the gestalt group as compared to the control groups and showed no significant changes in the self-identification and self-acceptance parameters. (LLL)

Reports clinical observations based on time-limited groups and presents relevant data on clinical tools that accelerate development in groups. (Author/BL)

Presents a cognitive-behavioral approach to group treatment of adolescents. Discusses diagnosis, treatment stages, characteristics of a cognitive-behavioral group, and the role of the therapist. Describes four advantages to this type of group therapy. (JAC)

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)

Presents a view of group process development based on psychoanalytic theory in which each phase of group operation is related to human developmental stages, i.e., the oral, anal, and phallic. (RC)

Explores the effectiveness of videotape feedback in increasing self-awareness of individuals in a group situation. Videotape feedback appeared influential in increasing self-awareness by providing a neutral, nonevaluative means of giving and receiving feedback. Suggests as the process becomes more accessible more research is needed. (JAC)

This study represents one effort to systematically examine concrete instances in well-defined settings, with some knowledge of the variables involved--the input as well as the feedback and the output of the encounter groups. (Author/KMG)

This report focuses on differences in training style among four trainers as measured by the Training Style Scoring System. The study concludes that supportive and trusting interrelations between members develop when the leader permits open expression of hostility toward his/herself. The difficulty of allowing this is noted. (NG)

Presents a factor analysis for subjects (N=52) participating in a Tavistock Group. Indicates the importance of the emergence of workable structures for leaders and members and the expression of affection and commentary on group processes. Output, input, self-understanding, and catharsis were the most valued factors. (Author/JAC)

Presents a format for the assessment, evaluation, and comparison of the impact of encounter groups, illustrated by an evaluation of an encounter group of six students. The assessment procedure indicated desirable changes along several dimensions, but beneficial effects were not extensive. Emphasized the need for multimethod assessment. (JAC)