Measuring group processes: A comparison of the GCQ and CCI.

Abstract

This study verified and compared the factor structures of two frequently used measures of small group climate, the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ-S; MacKenzie, 1983) and the Curative Climate Instrument (CCI; Fuhriman, Drescher, Hanson, Henrie, & Rybicki, 1986) at both group and individual levels. Data included third session assessments of 124 group members in 20 university counseling center groups. Confirmatory factor analyses partially supported the GCQ factor structure, but indicated that the Catharsis subscale of the CCI was not independent of the other two CCI subscales. Factor analysis of the six subscales from both measures yielded two higher order factors, representing positive (Engagement, Cohesion, Insight, and Catharsis) and negative (Conflict and Avoidance) group processes. Findings provide guidance for interpreting and comparing group processes using these measures.

Psychometric Properties of The Curative Climate Questionnaire-Turkish Version

“…Cronbach Alpha levels ranged from .87-.93 for cohesion, .81-.87 for catharsis, and .79-.84 for insight (8,40). However, later studies reported lower reliability figures; .79 for cohesion, .70 for catharsis, and .34 for insight (26).…”

“…The CCI measures usefulness of therapeutic factors in group psychotherapy (40). The CCI consists of 14 items and 3 subscales: Catharsis, Cohesion, and Insight.…”

“…The Insight subscale includes helpfulness of experiencing and understanding oneself in a new way (40). The items included under the Insight are learning that one reacts to some people or situations unrealistically with feelings that somehow belong to earlier periods in life (item 4), learning how one blocks off his or her feelings towards others in the present (item 7), discovering and accepting previously unknown or unacceptable parts of the self (item 10), and learning why one thinks and feel the way he or she does (item 13).…”

“…The Cohesion subscale measures usefulness of the group elements which hold the group together (40). The items included under the Cohesion are a sense of belonging to and being valued by a group (item 2), feeling less alone and more included in the group (item 3), having continued close contact with other people (item 6), belonging to a group of people who understand and accept the individual (item 8), and belonging to a group an individual likes (item 12).…”

“…One study showed Catharsis items did not load on a distinct factor. Therefore, it had to be excluded from the factor analysis to find a good fit (40).…”