The present study demonstrated that complex "here-and-now" affective verbalizations, basic to most experiential or therapeutic groups, could be reliably induced in a group by simple reinforcement techniques. Further, reinforcement produced levels of performance equivalent to that induced by therapists. (Author)

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…