Central relationship themes in group psychotherapy: A social relations model analysis of transference.

Group members (N = 55) in 11 therapy groups reported central relationship themes (CRTs) (wishes, responses of others, and responses of self) with other group members and with a romantic partner. Social relations model analyses were used to partition the variance in group member CRT ratings with other members into perceiver, target, and relationship plus error variance components. Significant perceiver variance in member CRT ratings was proposed to serve as a proxy for transference. Overall, significant perceiver variance and mostly insignificant target variance was found, and the perceiver effect accounted for substantially more variance than the target effect. As an exploratory question, the authors wondered to what extent relationship variance accounted for the total variance in member ratings of their CRT. Unfortunately, relationship variance could not be separated from error in this study. Relationship plus error variance accounted for, on average, 42% of the variance in scores. In addition, as a test of the social microcosm of the group theory, it was hypothesized that group member CRTs within the group would relate to member CRTs with a romantic partner outside of the group. Contrary to expectation, this hypothesis was not supported. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Studying group dynamics with the social relations model.

Although the interdependence of group members is one of the defining characteristics of group dynamics, most traditional statistical methods require each observation to be independent. D. Kenny's (1994) social relations model (SRM) provides a statistical technique for studying interdependence in groups. The components of the SRM (e.g., actor, partner, relationship) and the ways in which this model can be used to study interpersonal behavior and perception in groups are reviewed. Findings from social relations analyses of leadership and group therapy are discussed to demonstrate the ways in which the SRM can contribute to the study of group dynamics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interpersonal perception in group therapy: A social relations analysis.

Although group therapists have emphasized the importance of interpersonal perception and feedback during therapy, there has been little systematic research on how group members form impressions of one another. D. J. Kiesler's (see record 1983-30243-001) interpersonal circle provided a framework for studying interpersonal perception and relations. 27 women and 18 men from 9 time-limited therapy groups reported their impressions of their fellow group members using the Impact Message Inventory, and they also completed 2 self-report scales. A social relations analysis of this data indicated that Ss' perceptions included both assimilation and consensus. There was also a relationship between how Ss saw themselves before therapy and how they were seen by other group members. The results demonstrated the utility of the social relations model for group therapy research and provided modest support for Kiesler's interpersonal circle. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Controlled outcome research in psychotherapy: The group comparison approach reassessed.

Contends that the group comparison approach to treatment outcome research is sometimes rejected on the grounds that it ignores individual differences. The present author argues that this rejection is based on a misunderstanding of the research strategy involved and that the group comparison approach, in the framework of a multifactorial design, can reveal those individual differences that are important (i.e., the factors that affect outcome). (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Man-into-space: A tool and program for research in the social sciences.

The announcement of plans to launch the first earth satellites provides the opportunity to begin an unparalleled series of studies concerning processes as they occur in our culture and in less complex cultures; the opportunity to undertake a systematic series of studies in depth and over time, tracing out the evolution of differential impacts of a radical invention on many aspects of the human complex. Such studies could make significant contributions to our understanding of the dynamics of acculturation. Areas of study might involve; "Knowledge and understanding of technical concepts associated with MIS" (man into space), "The broad values and beliefs people have concerning MIS" and "The present and future perceptions that people have of the role of MIS in their own lives." The subject of MIS forms an ideal tool for studying the processes of social change, acculturation, and perceptual reorganization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Views from a distant shore: A social psychological perspective on group psychotherapy.

A brief commentary is offered on M. McCallum and W. E. Piper's (see record 1999-08068-001) article that describes their research on the effectiveness of a group psychotherapy program for treating patients with personality disorders. One set of comments examines the strengths and weaknesses of that article, whereas another set identifies potential linkages between the article and social psychological work on small groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Translational research: How social psychology can improve psychotherapy.

In an effort to generate innovative treatments, the National Institute of Mental Health has made translational research for alleviating mental illness a major funding priority. Although translational research is a powerful approach for moving basic science findings into novel treatments, it remains ambiguous and rarely implemented in psychology. The current article describes conceptual and methodological issues involved with translational research, including considerations about time frame, scope of hypothesis tested, dose of treatment, contraindication, and sampling. Translational concepts and methods are illustrated with areas of social psychology that are promising for translation into solutions for pressing questions in psychotherapy research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A model combining two psychotherapeutic approaches in group psychotherapy.

Describes a multidimensional model that combines Gestalt and psychoanalytically oriented approaches in group therapy to overcome problems of dropping out, resistance, and regression. Eight outpatients (aged 30–50 yrs) were treated using this model, which altered approaches, cotherapists, and meeting places. Four case illustrations are provided as demonstrations of improvement and success. The group's reactions to the model are discussed along with observations regarding group work and group therapists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Practicing psychologists' knowledge of general psychotherapy research findings: Implications for science-practice relations.

If you are a therapist, how knowledgeable are you and how knowledgeable do you need to be about psychotherapy research findings? In this study, the authors examined practicing psychologists' knowledge of general psychotherapy research findings. Results revealed that some psychologists showed excellent familiarity with this body of outcome research, but many did not achieve this standard. Not infrequently, psychologists believed that research findings were less positive than is actually the case, perhaps explaining some of the negativity that practitioners sometimes express toward psychotherapy research. Research knowledge could not be predicted by years graduated, percentage of long-term clients, percentage of time conducting therapy, theoretical orientation, or perceived familiarity with research. The modest familiarity with research findings that therapists, in general, demonstrated may be understood, in part, through examination of the acquisition of research knowledge as a judgment task. The authors explore potential factors that may influence therapists' judgments about the research. In addition, they examine possible relations between research knowledge and therapy outcome and their potential practice implications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The efficacy of group psychotherapy for older adult clients: A meta-analysis.

This review examined the effectiveness of group psychotherapy for older (55+) adults. Results from 44 studies with pre-post designs and 27 controlled studies indicated that group psychotherapy benefits older adults, with average rs of .42 and .24 for pre-post and controlled designs, respectively. The type of therapy provided and the age of the clients were associated with pretreatment to posttreatment improvement. Clients in cognitive-behavioral group therapy improved more than those receiving reminiscence therapy. The older the average age of the group members, the less they benefited from therapy. Number of sessions attended, length of therapy sessions, the percentage of women in the group, and client living situation were not significant moderators of outcome. Overall, group interventions for older adults appear to be effective and the average effect size for pre-post studies was quite similar to those yielded by meta-analyses of group therapy with younger adults and adolescents. However, the average effect size for controlled studies of group therapy with older adults appears to be somewhat smaller than the values reported in meta-analyses with younger clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A model of time-effective group psychotherapy for patients with personality disorders: the clinical model

This article describes a model of time-limited psychotherapy for patients with personality disorders that emphasizes the group as a social microcosm. The patient population described is relatively high functioning, although the majority of the group members meet DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987) criteria for an Axis II diagnosis. The clinical model's key theoretical concepts, for example, interpersonal focus; active therapist stance; emphasis on group interaction and processes; use of time limits; primary care/intermittent treatment philosophy; and emphasis on patients' strengths, goals, and resources are described. The relationships between the phases of group therapy and the key theoretical concepts are delineated.     

The differential effectiveness of group psychotherapy: A meta-analytic perspective.

The differential effectiveness of group psychotherapy was estimated in a meta-analysis of 111 experimental and quasi-experimental studies published over the past 20 years. A number of client, therapist, group, and methodological variables were examined in an attempt to determine specific as well as generic effectiveness. Three different effect sizes were computed: active versus wait list, active versus alternative treatment, and pre- to posttreatment improvement rates. The active versus wait list overall effect size (0.58) indicated that the average recipient of group treatment is better off than 72% of untreated controls. Improvement was related to group composition, setting, and diagnosis. Findings are discussed within the context of what the authors have learned about group treatment, meta-analytic studies of the extant group literature, and what remains for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A social relations model test of the interpersonal circle.

Argues that D. J. Kiesler's (see record 1983-30243-001) interpersonal circle theory of structure of relationships does not provide a method to distinguish between the influence of individual differences and relationship specific effects. It is suggested that D. A. Kenny and L. LaVoie's (1984) social relations model separates these effects but lacks a comprehensive guide for which domains of interpersonal behavior to study. The present authors use the social relations model to test Kiesler's proposition that complimentarity on the affiliation dimension results in correspondence, whereas complimentarity on the control dimension results in reciprocity. Round-robin analyses of variance (ANOVAs) of 16 graduate students' ratings of each other in experiential groups revealed clear support for correspondence on the affiliation dimension but inconclusive results for reciprocity on the control dimension. Making a bridge between the interpersonal circle and the social relations model highlights the potential importance of 3 perspectives toward relationships: 2 kinds of individual differences across relationships, 1-sided relationship specific effects, and mutual relationship specific effects. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Specific and nonspecific factors in psychotherapy: A problematic paradigm for psychotherapy research.

Discusses the specific/nonspecific hypothesis—a paradigm that has guided psychotherapy research for the last 3 decades—and suggests that underlying this hypothesis is the assumption that research can ultimately separate and assess the relative contributions to psychotherapeutic outcome of specific and nonspecific factors. This assumption, in turn, has held the promise that specific, active ingredients of psychotherapy could be identified. Categorical rejection of the specific/nonspecific hypothesis is advocated. It is suggested that the identity of psychotherapy with its interpersonal context must be acknowledged. In this way, the goal of psychotherapy research shifts from the search for active ingredients toward efforts to identify fundamental principles of human interaction that underlie the interpersonal conditions essential for therapeutic change. (63 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A listening-formulating model for psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Listening for and comprehending unconscious communication is the foundation of all psychoanalytic therapy. The process whereby latent meanings are apprehended and understood involves rhythmic shifts between unfocused and focused forms of attentiveness. Exactly how psychoanalytic listeners formulate hypotheses about unconscious meaning from these oscillating modes of attentiveness is a topic that has not been adequately addressed in the literature. This makes it difficult to "teach" psychoanalytic therapists how to listen deeply and make sense of what they hear. A listening-formulating model is proposed to assist analytic students in hearing and comprehending unconscious communication. The aspects and phases of this model are illustrated by means of a detailed analysis of a clinical vignette. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Couples psychotherapy: A psychodynamic model.

Psychoanalytic assumptions and goals need not be viewed or approached from a purely individual analytic perspective. Families and especially marriages offer a unique opportunity for systems-oriented intervention to add therapeutic depth by addressing psychodynamic interactions in vivo. Doing so requires integration in therapy, as well as in theory, of the manner in which individual psychodynamics manifest in primary interpersonal systems. A model is presented which aims at translating and instilling a useful degree of analytic insight in members of marital or family systems. Insight into transferential distortions and behavior is facilitated by introducing the metaphor of unconscious "hopes" and "expectations" in the interactive contexts of conjoint and individual sessions. It is suggested that such an expansion of systems-oriented approaches is a crucial step in adding depth and durability to change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A model for triadic relations.

Psychologists have analyzed dyadic data with a social relations model (D. A. Kenny, 1994). This article develops an analogous model for triadic data. This triadic relations model, a 3-way random-effects analysis of variance, can estimate 7 variances and 16 covariances from a round-robin of 3-person interactions. This article applies this model to perceptions of liking among 72 college-student acquaintances. These variance-components methods could also be used to study cognitive balance, social networks, social perception, and group performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of contemporary group psychotherapy: Contributions from object relations, self psychology, and social systems theories.

Reviews the book, Handbook of contemporary group psychotherapy: Contributions from object relations, self psychology, and social systems theories edited by Robert H. Klein, Harold S. Bernard, and David L. Singer (see record 1992-98341-000). Divided into three large sections, the book addresses recent theoretical developments, the clinical applications to patient care and the role of the therapist, each from the standpoint of object relations theory, self psychological theory and social systems theory. The chapters in this book are intended to clarify and integrate different theoretical perspectives with the business of daily practice and application to the group milieu. The reviewer points out several problems with the text including lack of consistency, minor inaccuracies, redundancy among chapters, occasional outdated references and, perhaps most cogent of these carps, the rather wide variation in quality among the different chapters. Nevertheless, the reviewer highly recommends this book for all practitioners and students of group therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recovery oriented psychotherapy: A model for addiction treatment.

Describes the use of recovery-oriented psychotherapy to treat patients with substance abuse. The early stages of treatment differ most from conventional therapeutic work. At the initial stage, the task is to foster abstinence, enhance motivation, and break the addiction cycle. The disease model is useful because it allows the therapist to take the stance that the patient is not responsible for the disease but is fully responsible for recovery. 12-step programs can provide a support structure to these patients and can be useful even for patients on psychotropic medication. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Integrating research findings into the practice of group psychotherapy.

Reviewers of the group psychotherapy literature have repeatedly described a "gulf" between researchers and practitioners. The present authors' examination of the reasons for this rift shows that some of the difficulties are due to stereotypical thinking on both sides; others imply constructive criticisms. Suggestions designed to bridge the gap are made in the hope that more attention to available group therapy research can ultimately lead to improved services and to empirically sound theories that can provide guidance to the practitioner. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)