Assessing Group Processes

Abstract

This study's aim is the comparison of group processes' development assessments among group members, direct observers, and indirect observers. The research population includes 50 heart patients, who participated in 7 support groups of 10 meetings each, and 35 social work students, who observed the groups. Data was obtainedfrom participants and observers through the Group Environment Scale (GES) and through a social support questionnaire, completed at three stages of the intervention: following the fourth, seventh, andfinal group meetings. Exceptfor the self-discovery variable, no other significant differences were found among the assessors. The main conclusion is that it is possible to place most of the burden of grading group processes in the hands of direct and/or indirect observers and to save the participants from this task. This conclusion is importantfor studies dealing with the efficacy of groups-especially when researching the connection between group processes and group outcomes.