An increase in the formation of growth-oriented groups has accompanied a rising interest in self-knowledge and consciousness-raising. The study described in this article suggests that the behaviors, perceptions, and emotional experiences of group members may vary with the sexual makeup of the group itself. (Author)

Empathy is vital in all the helping professions, as theory, practice, and research indicate. But can it be taught? Can it be learned? What exactly does one do to empathize? This article presents a usable model of empathic behavior--as well as imaginative means of enhancing the capacity to empathize. (Author)

Tests the hypothesis that patients who were contacted more often by their relatives would stay a shorter time in the hospital. Results support the hypothesis. (Author)

The committee process is notoriously susceptible to manipulation. A real pro develops ploys to insure that meetings run exactly as he or she intends. The author here presents tips on how the social worker can guard against such strategies. (Author)

The generally held hypothesis that a client will be more verbally accessible if she thinks her interviewer is like herself was not supported. In fact, the opposite was significantly true. The authors discuss possible reasons for the unexpected results they obtained. (SE)