The need for pre-marital preparation and its current status is discussed. Group counseling is supported as the technique best suited to meet this need. Both the benefits and limitations of this method are noted. (Author)

Describes a psychoeducational group model for teenage girls. Group goals include helping students define and avoid abusive relationships and the consequences of abuse. Outlines group composition and formation, program content, the context for abuse, warning signs, date rape, date rape prevention, conflict management, and building communication…

Examines the psychological implications of a 20-week group counseling program on the self-esteem of sexually abused female adolescents (N=37). Comparing this group program to individual counseling, results indicate that such group counseling programs seem to be a more effective treatment approach than individual counseling programs of comparable…

Observed 2 Gamblers Anonymous (GA) groups in South Wales over a 12-month period. Determined 2 broad consequences arose from encountering fellow sufferers: acceptance of diagnosis and commitment to recovery and to will of GA, or rejection of the diagnosis with the knowledge that they are returning to the outside world with a reconstituted…

Three variant group counseling approaches for 128 low-performing seventh and eighth grade students were compared on self-concept, locus of control, school grades, attitude, and behavior. Data analysis showed the marathon approach to group counseling to be more effective than traditional approaches. (Author/TE)

Examines the process of requiring and evaluating personal growth group participation for students in counselor education programs. Discusses the key components in the dilemma of protecting privacy while evaluating competencies, including ethical practices and program alternatives to avoid evaluation. Proposes a model that will enable participation…

Presents an instrument for measuring emotional barriers that can inhibit giving, receiving, and exchanging corrective feedback in counselor training groups. Also assesses leader behaviors that can help group members address those barriers. Testing showed that the instrument can be used to identify group member concerns. (RJM)

Article distinguishes between two types of problems: those that necessitate either-or solutions, and those called polarities, which require both-and solutions. Suggests how inherently unsolvable polarities can be managed by integrating them into men's counseling groups. Suggestions include direct teaching, individual analysis and action planning,…

Describes a group program for at-risk students that resulted in students obtaining better grades and improved attitudes and self-concepts. Project was based on the assumption that poor self-concept is the central factor in students' lack of academic success. It was unknown whether gains would continue without the group. (RJM)

Discusses how the interrelationship and growth emphasized by the Native American sweat lodge ceremony and "the talking circle" can provide a richer understanding of group counseling. Details each ceremony and explores the implications of practices that are based on cultural traditions, arguing that such traditions can enrich the group…

This article focuses on factors counselors should consider when forming groups for HIV-infected gay and bisexual men. Some issues that may arise during group counseling include existential and spiritual concerns, physical and medical issues, intraindividual concerns, the social stigma of AIDS, and homophobia, as well as other gay and bisexual…

Assessed effectiveness of group counseling program for seven sexually abused girls. Obtained measurements of self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, and behavior problems prior to, during, and after treatment at one- and nine-month intervals. Children's self-report measures demonstrated significant increase in self-esteem and significant decrease in…

Provides counselors with the foundations of group theory and practice specifically geared toward meeting the needs of school children growing up in chemically dependent homes. Information is geared toward late elementary and early middle school grades. Examples provided reflect work with that age group, but counselors can use materials with other…

This article describes the Pride in Parenting Group Intervention Curriculum, developed as part of a multicomponent intervention with a population of indigent African American women and their infants. Exit interviews with 57 mothers indicated parent satisfaction was high for developmental and parenting information and for the support of the group…

Compared 2 interventions (n=90) designed to reduce risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection among African Americans. Each group received information on biological and psychological aspects of human sexuality and disease, with experimental group additionally receiving communication and problem-solving skills training. The experimental group…