This investigation tested the hypothesis that the probabilistic structure underlying psychotherapy interviews is Markovian. The "goodness of fit" of a first-order Markov chain model to actual therapy interviews was assessed using a x squared test of homogeneity, and by generating by Monte Carlo methods empirical sampling distributions of…

The effects of counselor verbal behavior (reflections, probes, and restatements) and counselor nonverbal behavior (presence or absence of nodding and smiling) upon 48 subjects was examined. Probes resulted in more discussion of feelings than did either reflections or restatements. Nonverbal behavior did not effect discussion of feelings. (Author)

This paper discusses the functionality of the linguistic code in communication processes of a family in a crisis situation and in need of concealing its plight. Basic concepts of verbal interaction are discussed to show the difficulties of any open exchange of messages within a family with a dying patient. (Author)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of counselor trainees' reports of their philosophy of human nature and their interpersonal behavior in a variety of settings on their observed verbal behavior in a role-played initial counseling interview. (Author)

The willingness to manipulate others has been called Machiavellianism. The purpose of the present study was to acquire a preliminary answer to the question: what verbal communicative strategies do people with high Machiavellian characteristics employ which permit them to influence and control the group process? (Author)

This study investigates the power of the sex-role social norm in determining dominance: is dominance determined by personality "type" (from Myers-Briggs) or by the sex-role expectation? Thinking (T) and feeling (F) types were paired, including all possible combinations of sex and T-F. Thirty-two dyads, 16 opposite sex and 16 same sex,…

This study compared the effectiveness of facilitator-directed and self-directed personal growth group treatments toward inducing therapeutic verbal interaction. An interaction process analysis approach, the Hill Interaction Matrix (HIM) statement-by-statement system, was used to examine treatment differences. (Author)

Undergraduates (N = 96), divided into 12 groups, first engaged in self-disclosure and consensus exercises and then were required to exchange personal feedback. Feedback was positive or negative in nature and delivered publicly or anonymously. Positive feedback was rated as more credible and produced greater cohesiveness. (Author)

The generally held hypothesis that a client will be more verbally accessible if she thinks her interviewer is like herself was not supported. In fact, the opposite was significantly true. The authors discuss possible reasons for the unexpected results they obtained. (SE)

Immediately before their second group therapy session, 10 newly formed inpatient therapy groups were randomly assigned to complete either collective or individual art projects. The members of a group in the collective-project condition completed a single art project as a group. Each member of a group assigned to the individual project condition…

The present study explored the effect of verbal dissembling on nonverbal behavior. Subjects were 146 females who were led to be either truthful or deceptive verbally to a confederate. The underlying affective state of the subjects and the publicness of the interaction between subject and confederate were also varied experimentally. The nonverbal…

The present study examines the effects of immediate feedback to the therapist. It was hypothesized that immediate feedback would increase the amount of therapeutic talk by the therapist, as defined by the HIM. (Author)

Examines age differences in social interaction. Subjects range in age from five to 20. Results indicate female groups develop towards adult interpersonal behavior styles earlier than male groups. (Author)

Undergraduates (N = 41) viewed a videotape of role-played problems and responded as though in face-to-face contact with the speakers. Half took the role of counselor and half the role of friend. Analysis of covariance indicated students serving as friends made fewer reflections and gave more advice than those serving as counselors. (Author)

The verbal interaction of 31 middle class early adolescent boys and their parents was analyzed in order to provide information concerning adolescent autonomy. The boys were independently and reliably classified on the basis of age, physical maturity, and intellectual level. The taped interactions were coded for interruptions, talking times,…