Examined techniques of persuasion used in self-help organization for persons with mental problems. Concludes that successful affiliation with the group is a conversion process and that, although acceptance of the organizational ideology may facilitate an individual member's recovery, it simultaneously reinforces an understanding of mental problems…

Tested several hypotheses relating to a theory incorporating distinctive characteristics of interdisciplinary task groups. Observed an interdisciplinary task team for 28 weekly meetings. Recorded seating and major interactions of participants. Presents guidelines for the conduct of interdisciplinary groups. (RC)

Investigated the influence on group formation of feedback provided by potential members. Results indicated choices students made varied according to the pertinence of the feedback to the characteristics of the problem. Suggests a sociometric choice in the form of attraction to the feedback provider could indicate the existence of such pertinence.…

The relationship between social skills and group psychotherapy is assessed. No evidence is found that high or low socially skilled subjects differ in verbal behavior in analogue groups. No evidence was found correlating overall adjustment and group participation. (MFD)

People who have less prior knowledge of others in a group give more personal information. In dyads low-prior knowers give and receive more personal statements than high-prior knowers. Therapists can support confiding personal information about his/her self. (MFD)

This study suggests female and male verbal behavior should be viewed separately when analysing task-importance. Ego-involvement works with task importance to create atmospheres of maximum involvement. Characteristics of communication and group pressure for uniformity are identified. (MFD)

Investigated the relationship between behavior variables and pretherapy variables and found significant positive relationships. The amount of work a patient produced in a therapy group was highly related to pretraining levels of on-task behavior. Psychiatric interview variables were poor predictors of pretraining behaviors. (JAC)

Describes Cattell's model as inclusive of the work of family therapists of all orientations. The model defines groups as having interrelated aspects, and all variables related to group phenomena as fitting into three panels: population traits, characteristics of internal structure, and syntality traits. Suggests model gives uniformity to field.…

This research evaluates why individuals seek out or avoid encounter groups. The most important reasons for participation include; self-understanding, overcoming specific problems and learning to express feelings. Reluctance may come from lack of trust and fear of losing control. (MFD)

Used multiple groups (N=9) and multiple counselors (N=9) to study correlates of effectiveness in group counseling. Results indicated that both counselor and group composition variables related significantly to member interaction, to how much they valued the group, and to changes in member self-images. (RC)

Studied effects of factors on group discussion participation, observing 218 subjects in four-, five-, or six-person mock juries discussing mandatory retirement case. Visibility and size were main predictors of who spoke first; first-to-speak, age, and sex were predictors of participation in first minute. Total participation was affected by age,…