title: Understanding process in group cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Group cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (GCBTp) has shown to be effective in diminishing symptoms, as well as in improving other psychosocial dimensions such as self-esteem. But little is known regarding the processes that generate these therapeutic improvements and might be harnessed to further improve its effectiveness.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The current study aimed at investigating these processes, particularly those linked to interpersonal relationships.
  
  
  METHODS
  The participants were all assessed at baseline, were given 24 sessions of GCBTp over the course of 3 months and were assessed again at post-treatment as well as 6 months later (9 months from baseline).
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-six individuals with early psychosis took part in a study of GCBTp where therapist alliance and group cohesion were assessed at three time points during the therapy, and punctual (each session) self-perceptions on symptoms and optimism were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improvements in symptoms (BPRS), self-esteem (SERS-SF) and in self-perceived therapeutic improvements (CHOICE) were linked to specific aspects of the alliance, group cohesion, as well as optimism. The variables retained were not always overall scores, suggesting the importance of the variables at key moments during the therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results clearly demonstrate the importance of the alliance and group cohesion, together significantly explaining improvements measured at post-therapy or follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has attempted to focus mostly on relational aspects, as well as on self-perceptions, in the context of a GCBTp for individuals with early psychosis. This study also showed that these therapeutic relationships are especially useful when they are more stable and at specific moments during the therapy, namely when more difficult psychological work is done.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada.
authors: Tania
authors: T
authors: Lecomte
authors: Department of Nursing, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Québec, Canada.
authors: Claude
authors: C
authors: Leclerc
authors: Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, UK.
authors: Til
authors: T
authors: Wykes
authors: Programme PEP (Premiers Episodes Psychotiques), Montreal University Institute of Mental Health (IUSMM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.
authors: Luc
authors: L
authors: Nicole
authors: Programme JAP (Jeunes Adultes Psychotiques), Montreal University Hospital Center (CHUM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.
authors: Amal
authors: A
authors: Abdel Baki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Group cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis; interpersonal relationships; self-esteem; self-perceived therapeutic improvements; symptoms; therapeutic improvements