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…

Examines the proposition that members of a group unconsciously displace the shadow of the group onto other groups to reduce feelings of internal conflict and threat within the group. Characteristics of the group shadow, as well as its psychodynamic function within and between groups are described. (Author/BL)

Through the use of a culinary metaphor, the authors depict common problems that can occur when process is overlooked in group settings. The metaphor offers "food for thought" for helping leaders achieve a balance between process and content in effective group work. (Author)

Poses several questions concerning self-disclosure in group counseling and draws on research findings and clinical experience to provide tentative answers and guidelines for group leaders. (Author)

Examines proposition that covert roles within a group are assigned to individual group members based on their propensity to verbally or nonverbally express certain patterns of unwanted, disowned, and projected emotions that are experienced as threatening by other members. Focuses on articulating a model, describing a method, and presenting…

Time-extended groups provide the following: (1) they ease the need to get things started immediately, (2) they provide the opportunity for interaction to be carried to its natural end-point, (3) they allow a greater range of techniques to be experienced by members, (4) they increase the chances for therapeutic contact, (5) they allow participants…

Trends in the provision of mental health services have generated greater interests in brief group counseling. Offers one perspective for the integration of solution-oriented theory and techniques into counseling. (Author)

Eight "myths" about small group processes and outcomes are presented and matched against research and practice. Conclusions are drawn concerning benefits of group experience, group composition, leader impact, role of structural exercises, function of the "here-and-now," self-disclosure and feedback, understanding group processes, and the long-term…

Examined applicability of Bednar, Melnick, and Kaul's model of early group development to college student self-help groups using undergraduates (N=101) who met in high-structure or low-structure groups. Found amount of group structure was positively related to ownership of group functioning; importance of performing group behaviors was positively…

To assess the effect of feedback combinations in group interactions, 28 college students participated in a two hour workshop and then completed feedback ratings. Results indicated differences in credibility, desirability, cohesion, and evaluation, with the positive-negative-positive feedback combination being most effective. (BL)

This document presents a concise discussion of current thinking and practices in the area of group counseling in the schools. The material, divided into two sections is based on the discussion of a panel of counselor educators and practicing counselors. Part I consists of the discussion among the participants and Part II is composed of questions…

To focus upon identity, high school students were exposed to the group process. The youngsters had an opportunity to function within groups while viewing themselves and others as well as the functions of the group through the use of integrated media. (Author/BY)

Used Hill Interaction Matrix to measure content and quality of interactions in 12-hour therapy group of 12 male drug addicts and 3 therapists. Categories of therapeutic work included conventional, assertive, speculative, and confrontive; categories of content included topic, group, personal, and relationship. Group was highly confrontive; most…

Performed two studies to examine things unsaid in group counseling. Examined categories of things unsaid, relationships between types of things unsaid, stage of group development, and gender. Found more advice and outside things unsaid during orientation-inclusion stage and more positive feeling and empathic things unsaid during affection-cohesion…

Investigated effects of an individual's ability to process information (conceptual level) on the choice of alternative verbal conflict behaviors (tactics) in a small-group context. Members of the higher conceptual level study group made a higher percentage of overall responses, while members of the lower conceptual level group used avoidance and…