Study tests the Skilled Group Counseling Training Model (SGCTM). Results reveal that students in a group counseling class who were trained in the model used at least 80% of the SGCTM skills during three simulated group counseling sessions. During these sessions, the students adhered to one of three counseling theories (Person-Centered, Gestalt,…

Used a solution-oriented therapeutic group process in which substance abuse clients' projections into the future help provide a more manageable present. Reunion groups are created by group members and facilitators, who act as if clients have been successful in their lives for a specified time period and that participants are returning for a…

Focuses on patterns of communication by members and leaders during episodes of conflict and how these patterns related to group development. Analyzed communication of two small groups that met for 12 weeks. Results indicate that integration and differentiation from systems theory are key elements of the group development process. (RJM)

Tested the activity theory (which proposes that elderly persons remain in active contact with their environment) and disengagement theory (which suggests adjustment comes through reduction of activity and social contact). Disengaged elderly were identified. Subjects demonstrated significant improvement over the untreated control subjects. Results…

Describes a four-stage model based on cognitive appraisal theory that attempts to specify the precise links between cognitive evaluations of events and resultant discrete emotions. Presents a case study with multicultural group members, which suggests that use of the model may be particularly constructive with these groups. By identifying linkages…

Compared the therapeutic factors in counseling groups and psychoeducational groups in the school setting. Results, based on information supplied by 148 eighth-grade students in Israel, indicate no differences in either the number of therapeutic factors attributed to each group process, or the value of these factors for both intervention groups.…

A highly structured approach produced significantly greater empathy, improved interpersonal functioning, and reduced the frequency of serious rule violations relative to a more traditional nondirective approach. (Author)

Examined optimism, generalized self-efficacy, and interactions between these variables, along with member expectancies for group, as predictors of growth group outcomes. Results based on student responses (N=19) indicate that the ability of initial expectancies to predict outcome depended on the level of generalized self-efficacy. (RJM)

Explores the relationship among self-disclosure, discloser gender, expressiveness, instrumentality, and group social environment in personal growth classes. Focuses on individual personality and group social environment characteristics in an established group. Results indicate that expressiveness, instrumentality, and the relationship dimension of…

Examines theoretical aspects of projective identification and suggests procedures for processing projective identification in group counseling and therapy. Discusses projective identification and related defense mechanisms, systems and boundaries, and scapegoating. Some of the stages in processing projective identification include the relationship…

Evaluates a life review intervention for persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. Adults with HIV (N=27) were compared on psychological measures of optimism and other attributes. No significant differences were apparent among the interventions, but statistical trends and written evaluations favored the life review intervention.…

Measures the degree to which group guidance and small group counseling generated positive change in the social acceptance and self-esteem of normal and socially inefficacious adolescents. Both methods enhanced the social acceptability of the adolescents, with partial gains recorded in self-esteem. Recommends a combination of both methods. (RJM)

Presents five articles devoted to multimodal theory, research, and practice. Topics include cognitive intervention, the effects of counseling on classroom performance, motivating student attendance with friendship groups, multimodal self management for college students, and a case study describing child adolescent multimodal therapy. (JAC)