Addresses the following question: Do one-session meetings remain "aggregates" or can they develop some "group" forms? Considers the literature on phases of group development, one-session meetings, and the role of the worker in one-session meetings. Concluded that the one-session meeting can develop specific group forms.…

Used meta-analysis to examine duration of group experience and structure provided by leader in counseling groups from 26 studies. Group composition appeared to have greatest effect in unstructured group which was relatively long in duration. Leaders using short-term, structured groups may be less concerned with composition, as its potential effect…

Earlier reviews have asserted the superiority of structure versus ambiguity in the practice of group therapy. This review specifies the dimensions that lead to this asserted superiority and examines method and timing of presentation and content of pregroup training. A model is proposed that links content and timing with issues in group…

Uses a laboratory experiment involving role-playing groups to show that an assigned majority rule is likely to lead to higher-quality solutions than unanimity and no-decision rule. Results indicated under majority rule workers resistance to the foreman's power often resulted in a successful search for a better solution. (JAC)

Presents literature relevant to initial group structure and advances a model of group development based upon personal construct theory. The proposed model illuminates the relationship between initial structure and the psychological processes underlying group development. Research questions are posited to advance empirical tests of the model. (RC)

Describes Cattell's model as inclusive of the work of family therapists of all orientations. The model defines groups as having interrelated aspects, and all variables related to group phenomena as fitting into three panels: population traits, characteristics of internal structure, and syntality traits. Suggests model gives uniformity to field.…

Examines group structure and process through a serious consideration of word play of group members. Issues explored include ways in which metaphors externalize emotions, human identities are constructed metaphorically, interactional situations are managed metaphorically, and humor is related to dominance. (RC)