Deterioration effects in encounter groups.

Deterioration in Marital and Family Therapy: Empirical, Clinical, and Conceptual Issues

“…This table includes all studies that reported improvement rates, whether the units of assessment are based on individual family members' outcomes, dyadic marital relationship changes, or family system changes. This figure is surprisingly consistent with the frequencies of worsening reported for other modalities of psychotherapy (9,10,11,37,47,49). Of particular note in Table I is the observation that individual therapy for marital problems appears to produce positive change in only slightly less than half of its consumers, a pessimistic finding that will come as no surprise to therapists who think in a systems framework (23, 34,40).…”

Damaging Experiences in Therapeutic Groups

“…Positive group norms, initiated and modeled by the leader, should begin in individual orientation sessions and continue throughout the group's development. Providing an array of valued tasks and roles for group members to perform also helps leaders and group members to avoid lashing out at each other with "psychonoxious feedback" and aggressive confrontation (Hartley et al, 1976).…”

“…Group members who are most likely to gain from their group participation have been described as individuals who enjoy relatively high status; are highly attracted to the group; have realistic expectations; display high compliance; have strong communication skills to articulate thoughts and feelings; and possess adequate, relaxed ego defenses and a strong sense of self (Galinsky & Schopler, 1977;Hartley, Roback, & Abramowitz, 1976). It is ironic that this profile characterizing individuals most likely to benefit from groups also fits individuals who are least likely to need group interventions.…”

“…Negative or coercive norms set the stage for damaging group experiences by (a) forcing active participation before the individual is psychologically ready to do so; (b) encouraging confrontation and expression of anger among group members; (c) pressuring members to accept feedback overload and to perform personality restructuring; and (d) demanding that group members conform to the group's style of relating, regardless of individual sensitivities (Galinsky & Schopler, 1977;Gottschalk, 1966;Hartley, Roback, & Abramowitz, 1976;Lieberman et al, 1973).…”

The making of the group therapist: The role of experiential learning

“…Many training centers are reluctant to screen their candidates' personality adequately. Yet, studies by Hartley et al (1979) and Truax et al (1965) have clearly indicated that the character variable is the most important factor affecting leadership efficacy in groups. This author has advocated for some time that as well as multiple structured interviews with at least two interviewers present, future group therapists should undergo selected projective psychological testing, to exclude those with more severe personality disturbances.…”