This paper presents a theoretical and clinical account of a psychotherapeutic approach to the aged. The approach is called "competent coping" therapy. It is oriented to helping older adults acquire and practice better adaptive strategies in handling problem situations. The author notes that unlike most work with older adults which is based largely…

Group therapy, in general, and positive peer culture (PPC) programs, in particular, are discussed in terms of treatment characteristics and effects on maladaptive adolescent behavior. Topics covered include the three phases (inclusion, power, and affection) of group treatment, difficulties (negative group experiences) produced by group therapy,…

The current importance of growth groups in fostering and enhancing individual development gave rise to the research effort described herein. Its purpose is to determine whether or not an individual's self concept will change after involvement in a single twelve hour growth group. Subjects were four heterogeneous groups comprised of 39 individuals…

The project attempted to learn whether group counseling could be used effectively to move into employment, or into training for employment, hard core clients of a state vocational rehabilitation agency who, though apparently ready for employment consistently failed to obtain or retain satisfactory employment. A sample of 99 clients were involved…

A theoretically-derived, easily employable, and widely applicable coding system for processing analysis of small group discussions is described. The system was constructed from established social influence theory, and pilot results from application of the system to group therapy interactions were presented. Eighty percent of all group…

Non-task-oriented activities that take place in a therapy group are conceived of as processes geared towards establishing and reassuring safety. The authors take an existentialist Langian approach to safety and discuss the notion that necessarily unresolved perceptions of ontological insecurity act upon members as individuals and as a group. (NG)

A review of studies on counseling with methadone clients affirmed the importance of counseling services. Support was found for analytic therapy, T-group therapy, behavioral training, reality therapy, and family therapy. There was evidence of client resistance to group therapy. (Author)

This article examines the historical development of marathon encounter groups and provides speculation as to their future use. (YRJ)

Disadvantaged children were assigned to college students or control groups in a replication of Goodman's study of companionship therapy. Companioned children improved significantly more than controls on three parent-rated problem measures, and there was a trend for greater improvement of self-concept. (Author)

Supports role playing as an effective intervention technique that has been broadly adapted for academic research and applied settings. Presents a classification scheme for organizing these diverse role-playing uses, in terms of intraindividual and intact group change. Suggests that research and implementation of role playing would be best served…

Discusses characteristic processes observed and therapeutic strategies used in an open-ended group of depressed outpatients. Used as criteria of success patient-therapist agreement to discontinue medication, finding a job, and establishing a friendship. Describes characteristics of members who stayed, and helpful therapist actions and attitudes,…

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…

Analyzed 10 interaction dimensions of group behavior and three emotional atmosphere categories among old and young participants in 12 "support-discussion" groups. Results showed significant differences with respect to frequencies of boundary, self-disclosure, and support behaviors. In addition, the young showed signs of boredom more frequently.…

This article focuses on (a) the types and incidence of casualties reported for encounter groups; (b) participant, group, and leader variables associated with negative outcome, (c) procedures for minimizing casualties, and (d) research considerations. (Author/AM)

This is a reference book for trainee psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and other professionals. The third edition has added recent changes in psychotherapy theory, practice, and research. Different forms of psychotherapy are integrated without an emphasis on one particular theory. Many of the recent therapies owe their basic ideas to some aspect of…