Interpersonal skill training in groups.

Evaluated the relative effectiveness of 2 group counseling programs, one using primarily behavioral rehearsal and contingency contracting and the other using behavioral discussion. 36 18-38 yr old self-referred male and female clients were randomly assigned to 2 treatment conditions. Four rehearsal-contracting and 3 discussion groups, with 5-6 members in each, met for 6 weekly 2-hr sessions. Assessment was based on (a) 2 self-report inventories, administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at a 3-mo follow-up and (b) a behavioral role-play test administered at posttreatment and follow-up periods for both conditions, with the behavioral role-play test showing significant gains in favor of the rehearsal-contracting conditions. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)