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…

Earlier reviews have asserted the superiority of structure versus ambiguity in the practice of group therapy. This review specifies the dimensions that lead to this asserted superiority and examines method and timing of presentation and content of pregroup training. A model is proposed that links content and timing with issues in group…

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)

Implemented weekly self-help group for female anorexics and bulimics. Eighteen women who had consistently attended sessions evaluated group six months after it had begun. Found that self-help group benefited most members. Discusses findings in relation to curative factors of such groups. Offers suggestions for professionals interested in…

Describes a small group program in a nursing curriculum utilizing the Theme-Centered Interaction model, which attempts to combine and balance the cognitive, subjective-affective, and interactional modes. The method appears uniquely suited to the needs of student nurse clinicians who are expected to acquire and integrate psychomotor and affective…

Used a general systems model to evaluate a self-help support group for medical students (N=26). Results showed most medical students sought out support groups to fulfill social affiliation needs and gain better self-understanding. Members shared many leadership functions and generally found the groups meaningful. (JAC)

Describes a Los Angeles training program in group psychotherapy conducted on-site at the psychotherapist trainees' mental health agencies. Concludes the community outreach training program is successful because it changed the concept of responsibility for training from individual therapist to the agencies and enhanced the quality of group therapy…

Assessed outcome in 10 British and American sensitivity training workshops in terms of reported self-benefit and benefit to one's relations with others not present. Found differing patterns of change between the two outcome variables, suggesting that they embody separate models of workshop learning processes. (Author/NB)

Evaluated the effectiveness of a health education group for older adults (N=20) conducted by social work students. Results showed insignificant findings: neither level of essential knowledge or mental health status improved. However, subjects already had high levels of health knowledge. (JAC)