A meta-analysis of 38 studies of social skills training interventions with antisocial youth was performed. Also examined were treatment effects for interventions that differed in group composition. As predicted, skills training interventions delivered in the context of groups consisting of only antisocial peers produced smaller benefits than did…

Reports on a clinical trial (N = 43 couples) that compares a hope-focused marital enrichment with empathy-centered forgiveness-based marital enrichment Hope-focused marital enrichment produced clinically relevant changes in marital communication. The forgiveness-based marital enrichment psychoeducational group is one of the first studies of…

Reviews the literature surrounding the use of personal/creative writing as an adjunct to group therapy. Several writing exercises, including a stain glass poem, personal logo, and epigram, as well as client responses, are discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for using writing with groups. (Author/TE)

Raises possible ethical issues concerning the potential for subtle imposition of a group leader's values on participants in a group. Presents vignettes which demonstrate how easy it is to steer clients toward a particular path. Concludes it takes wisdom to determine when counselors cannot work with certain clients because of a conflict in values.…

Explains how school counselor can play major role in helping high school freshman students realize the importance of making at least tentative general career plans and describes group career counseling approach referred to as a career-preparation unit. Describes four-day unit. Appendices contain teacher-contact sheet, project overview, research…

Evaluated efficacy of bereavement program for widowed persons. Experimental participants (N=25) were treatment group members; controls (N=25) were on group waiting list. All subjects were pretested and posttested with Texas Revised Inventory of Grief. Results showed no significant differences between groups on posttest scores. Recovery from grief…

Examined effectiveness of relationship enhancement counseling groups for wife abusers by comparing recidivism rates of wife abusers (N=30) in pretrial diversion with rates for abusive husbands who refused treatment (N=30) or who were not referred for treatment (N=30). Treatment was associated with cessation of abuse for one year. (NB)

Outlines development of children's fears of nuclear war. Suggests professional and parental interventions to alleviate fears through use of small-group experiences, dyadic exercises, and a computer-based game. "10 Myths About Children's Nuclear Fears: A Guide For Adults" is appended. (Author/NB)

Presents interview with Phyllis Silverman, who developed concept of Widow-to-Widow Program and directed research project that first demonstrated its effectiveness. Silverman discusses her views on grief, the Widow-to-Widow program, peer support, gender differences in peer support for bereavement, and the Child Bereavement Study. (NB)

One group of professionals among whom stress and burnout are particularly prevalent is nurses. A study of inpatient nurses (n=20) and outpatient nurses (n=10) revealed that group team building was effective in improving both morale and job satisfaction while decreasing burnout among the higher-stress group of outpatient nurses. (JPS)

Synthesizes existing literature on group counseling and psychotherapy with Asian Americans. Provides some guidelines on how to prevent premature terminations among these clients. Concludes that success with Asian American clients in group counseling and psychotherapy will rest largely on the group leader's ability and willingness to acquire…

Examined extent to which meditation and relaxation techniques are used by secondary school counselors as group counseling component for treating adolescents with behavior problems. Findings from 57 secondary school counselors revealed that few respondents used such techniques. Recommends that counselors change their roles, enhance counseling…

Presents eight-session small group counseling unit for primary-grade children who have been identified for grade retention or who were recently retained. Presents results of pilot study of the program. Notes that Fresh Start club emphasizes to children that there are positive aspects to retention and that they are not alone in the experience. (NB)

Reviews literature on dropouts and considers group counseling as a possible solution to the dropout problem in high schools. Emphasizes the need for early identification and intervention with potential dropouts. Discusses school counselor's role in working with these at-risk students. (NB)

Describes some ways that small-group work in sexuality education can be derailed, gives possible reasons for those derailments, and offers possible responses. Addresses issues of disruptiveness, hesitancy to talk, subgrouping and polarization, storytelling and monopolizing, inappropriate risk taking, giddiness or hyperactivity, and general…