The opening session of a group presents special problems for the group leader. Focuses on structured activities which can serve to reduce these early negative reactions and promote feelings of security, identity, and belongingness in the group members. (Author)

Provides a rationale for the use of mental imagery as a primary counseling process in structured small group experiences. This purpose is based on assertions that mental imagery can facilitate client learning. (Author)

Presents literature relevant to initial group structure and advances a model of group development based upon personal construct theory. The proposed model illuminates the relationship between initial structure and the psychological processes underlying group development. Research questions are posited to advance empirical tests of the model. (RC)

Examines group structure and process through a serious consideration of word play of group members. Issues explored include ways in which metaphors externalize emotions, human identities are constructed metaphorically, interactional situations are managed metaphorically, and humor is related to dominance. (RC)

Journal papers, dissertations and monographs on theory and research in sociometrics in education are cited. Forty references are examined in the areas of classroom socialization structure and skills, the stability of choices in friendship, attraction between individuals, and the relationship between learning styles and sociometry. Teacher roles in…

Support systems research has expanded its therapeutic horizons beyond the family, often using the concepts and methods of social network analysis. Recent network developments provide useful suggestions for support systems research in the analyses of social ties and social networks, and the implications of large-scale social structure for…