Family life is altered irrevocably when a young parent is diagnosed with or dies from cancer. This article tracks the genesis and transformation of a comprehensive psychoeducational support and bereavement program for children, adolescents, and parents affected by cancer. From the inception of the program, families with parents in active treatment…

Contrasts open and closed therapeutic groups in the context of group development research, and reanalyzes data applying the Hill Interaction Matrix. Results supported the existence of a discernable process of development in the closed groups, while open groups with residual members showed counterproductive activity. (LLL)

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…

This study compared the outcome of external and internal scorers on the locus of control scale and considered the association between internal-external orientation and direct and nondirect marathon group therapy. The findings suggest that internals are better therapeutic risks than externals, regardless of a direct or nondirect therapist…

Provides an overview of essential aspects of starting and maintaining a counseling group for suicidal individuals. Considers group purpose, member and therapist selection, therapeutic style, group size, length of treatment, areas of difficulty, and areas for discussion. (Author/MCF)

The open time-extended group, run by multiple counselors, adds a facilitating dimension to the counseling function--a dimension that exemplifies the concepts of self-growth and self-actualization by first providing the atmosphere for the client and then by allowing him to progress at his own rate and to a depth which he determines. An open group…

Describes a one-day psychoeducational group for survivors of a recent organizational downsizing. Principal goal of the group is to prevent "Layoff Survivor Syndrome" through instruction and group exercises designed to normalize common responses and increase awareness of positive coping strategies. Provides descriptions of group…

Presented are guidelines for developing and conducting a group counseling program with the mentally retarded. Advantages of the group counseling approach (such as peer influence), goals for the group (such as teaching skills), and characteristics of an effective group leader (such as empathetic understanding) are outlined. Factors related to group…

Described are developments in the dynamics of a 13-session group discussion project for nine visually impaired older adults. (CL)

A structured approach to group therapy was added to an alcoholic treatment program previously offering only unstructured insight-oriented groups. Participants in the interpersonal problem-solving group therapy were generally very active in all sessions. Participants reported actively utilizing their learning after leaving the treatment program, a…

Describes an adolescent outpatient pretherapy training and orientation program considered to have speeded group cohesion; increased expression of positive expectations; reduced time-wasting discussion; decreased concerns over confidentiality; and facilitated verbal feedback skills. (Author/DB)

Sees introduction of specific structures and exercises in psychotherapy group as directly controlling course of events and affecting members' perceptions of the group and leader. Asserts that exercises must highlight, rather than bypass, existing group processes. Presents five-step model for preparing, working with, processing, generalizing, and…

THIS PUBLICATION IS ONE OF A SERIES ON CURRENT RESEARCH AND RESOURCES COMPILED BY THE COUNSELING AND PERSONNEL SERVICES INFORMATION CENTER. RESUMES OF SELECTED LITERATURE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SMALL GROUP WORK ARE PRESENTED. SOME OF THE RESEARCH HAS COME FROM THE PERSONNEL PROFESSIONS WHILE OTHER DEVELOPMENTS HAVE COME FROM THE FIELDS OF…

Experimentally varied conditions relating to the people with whom participants (N=45) interacted prior to beginning a small learning group experience. Results showed that rates of attending and remaining varied according to with whom participants interacted prior to the onset of the group. (LLL)