A pilot study using the group environment scale to evaluate first-year resident support groups.
OBJECTIVE
Resident support groups are not universally accepted nor without controversy. Existing descriptive studies suggest the need for better evaluation methods. This study tests a quantitative method for assessing resident support groups using a standardized questionnaire to evaluate changes occurring during support group participation.


METHODS
The Group Environment Scale (GES) was used to quantitatively assess premeasures and postmeasures of group functioning for two combined support groups.


RESULTS
After analyzing the combined group's premeasures and postmeasures on 10 GES subscales, paired t tests revealed "expressiveness," "self discovery," and "anger and aggression " significantly increased, while "order and organization " decreased. The GES profile suggests that these intern support groups significantly promoted expression of feelings, self disclosure, and self-reflection about personal and professional problems and tolerance of anger in an environment that becomes significantly less formal and structured with strong leader support but low leader control.


CONCLUSIONS
The GES is a useful tool for assessing intern support groups. This pilot study provides a quantitative baseline assessment of intern support groups for future comparisons.
Alexander
Dale
D
Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, USA. dalexander@uh.edu
Skinner
Bron
B
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000592:standards*; D012931:Social Environment; D015144:Southeastern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires