The effectiveness of group sandtray therapy was examined using a pretest-posttest control group design with young adolescent girls (n = 37) identified as having low self-esteem. A split-plot analysis of variance (SPANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences between participants in the treatment and control groups in self-esteem on five…

No randomized clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of psychotherapy for intermittent explosive disorder (IED). In the present study, the authors tested the efficacy of 12-week group and individual cognitive-behavioral therapies (adapted from J. L. Deffenbacher & M. McKay, 2000) by comparing them with a wait-list control in a randomized…

The aim of this study was to describe a case series of adolescents (mean age = 16.5 years, SD = 1.0) with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) who received dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Twelve outpatients with AN and BN took part in 25 weeks of twice weekly therapy consisting of individual therapy and a skills training group.…

Research on therapeutic factors of group psychotherapy for adult alcoholics is reviewed. The research in this area has focused on determining whether or not group psychotherapy is an effective treatment modality for alcoholics. This review examines therapeutic factors in three phases of treatment: (1) preadmission, (2) primary intervention, and…

A DEVELOPMENTAL FRAME OF REFERENCE WAS USED AS A WAY OF VIEWING THE EMERGENCE AND/OR PERPETUATION OF PATHOLOGY IN A FAMILY. THIS FRAME OF REFERENCE INCLUDES SEVERAL ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS. RESISTANCE TO CHANGE IS SEEN AS A FUNDAMENTAL DYNAMIC FACTOR IN FIELD (FAMILY) PATHOLOGY WITH INTERPERSONAL SUBSYSTEMS WITHIN THE FAMILY ACTING AS PERPETUATORS…

The Hill Interaction Matrix-G (HIM-G), a 72 item questionnaire, is a shorter method for the analysis of verbal interaction in small groups. Intended as a substitute for the more precise Hill Interaction Matrix Rating System (HIM-SS) this version can be rated within twenty minutes after observation of the group. A Fortran computer scoring program…

This paper examines the issues for the group psychotherapist in relation to the training of the newer mental health worker. There is emphasis on the behavior and philosophy of the group psychotherapist in relation to the institution he is working in, the student he is teaching and his commitment. Examples are given in an academic setting, a field…

In order to understand the effect of care and concern from a group therapist, the author defines it as a force in a living system which propels the group toward a more complex form of organization, characterized by an absence of disorganization or internal anxiety. (Author)

What constitutes change in family therapy, and how is change to be measured? This paper reviews briefly the methodological issues that these questions raise, and describes a pilot effort to assess the efficacy of a clinic-based family therapy program. (Author)

Describes an abrupt shift from a therapeutic community emphasizing group meetings to a hierarchical medical model on a mental hospital floor. Analyzes the contrast between the two models, compared with the subsequent restoration of the therapeutic community. Clarifies some mechanisms by which groups positively affect disturbed patients. (BP)

This study examined effects of a group sexual enhancement program for elderly couples. The three two-week phases, pretreatment with no therapist contact, education on human sexual functioning in aging people, and communication exercises-sexual techniques, were methods to improve communication and increase enjoyment of sexual contact. (Author)

In this age of accountability and evaluation, client motivation is most often cited as the primary reason for therapeutic failure. It is suggested that certain videotape procedures can contribute effectively to the amelioration of this aspect of the therapeutic dilemma. (Author)

Reports possible psychological dangers associated with the Erhard Seminars Training (EST) method of interaction training. (SL)

The effects of two psychosocial treatments, Reality Orientation and Sheltered Workshops, were evaluated against an assessment-only control. Program effects were assessed before and after treatment using three variables: the Life Satisfaction Index-A, nurses' ratings, and behavior observations. Sheltered Workshops may be more beneficial for this…

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)