Interpersonal variables in behavioural group therapy.
Attraction towards the group as a whole and to male and female co-leaders was self-rated after each of 10 sessions of behavioural group therapy. Fifty-one patients with specific interpersonal skills deficits completed the course after being randomly assigned to nine small groups employing either (a) role rehearsal and modelling, or (b) guided discussion. Higher levels of attraction were obtained in role-rehearsal groups. This was associated with improved self-esteem and a reduction of specific social fears at the end of treatment. Drop-outs showed less attraction and tended to leave the groups at critical stages in their development. The findings suggest that greater attention to specific interpersonal variables may enhance the effectiveness of group therapies.
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012917:Social Adjustment