The group's absence norm, a construct from the applied psychology literature, was used to examine session absences in personal growth groups. Rather than examining the absence norm statically, we modeled it dynamically as a time-varying covariate (Tasca et al., 2010). We also examined moderation by modeling the interaction of the absence norm and…

Analyzed structure of social interaction within four therapy groups in terms of conditional responding of participants. Proposed that groups' interactions would show increasing structure across sessions. Findings showed no consistent pattern of group development, that frequency with which members spoke was inversely related to dominance in group,…

To examine changes in self-reported anxiety during the course of a small group, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered at several times to participants in brief, leaderless sensitivity training groups. Results indicate that trait anxiety remained stable while state anxiety decreased significantly. (Author)

Examined the effects of (1) two levels of risk-taking disposition and (2) four types of pregroup preparation on early group development. High risk takers exposed to the behavioral structure condition were more involved in self-disclosure and interpersonal feedback, reported higher levels of group cohesion, and reported greater perceived depth of…

A developmental framework for initiating group counseling and psychotherapy is presented. On the basis of existing evidence, client risk, responsibility, and group structure were postulated as basic ingredients affecting early group development. Client exposure to levels of personal risk and responsibility most conducive to group development can…

Groups were formed in which all members were rated previously as performing at either high or low levels of interpersonal skills during a behavioral assessment procedure. Group members evaluated each other's interpersonal behavior and their group's cohesiveness after a two-hour leaderless session. Highly skilled groups were seen as more cohesive.…

Prior theoretical formulations have suggested that client exposure to levels of personal risk and responsibility most conducive to optimal group development can be regulated with group structure. Analysis of variance results indicated the highest frequency of therapeutically relevant behaviors occurred in the high-structure and high-risk-taking…

Investigated the effects of valence, session of delivery, and order of delivery on receiver ratings of feedback credibility. Collected data from personal growth groups. Positive feedback was readily accepted. Negative feedback was significantly more accepted when received in later sessions, and when preceded by positive feedback. (Author)

The nature and development of interpersonal perceptions in a T group were studied. Results indicate that group members' perceptions are relatively complex and change markedly over sessions in ways consistent with current theories of group development. The analysis permits a first look at a T group free from biases. (Author)

Client adherence to culture-of-origin values plays an important role in the provision of culturally relevant psychological services. Lack of instruments that measure ethnic cultural values has been a shortcoming of past research. Describes development of an Asian Values Scale (AVS) used to measure psychometric measures in four studies. Results…