The utility of change models in the design and delivery of thematic group interventions: Applications to a self-defeating behaviors group.

Abstract

This article describes the application of models of change to the design of thematic psychotherapy groups. Theme groups provide a unique alternative to, and perhaps a useful supplement for, traditional, process-oriented psychotherapy groups as opportunities for therapeutic relief and interpersonal growth. The success of such groups depends heavily on the development of a change model, that is, a theoretically driven and comprehensive model of how change may occur. A change model influences every stage of group development and directs the choice and sequence of therapeutic interventions. An example of a thematic group for self-defeating behaviors is also provided, for which a change model based largely on principles of relapse prevention is applied to a broad range of problematic patterns.191 This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.

Testing a conceptual model of working through self-defeating patterns.

“…The present results provide empirical evidence to support this theoretical conceptualization that adult attachment (i.e., anxiety and avoidance) is related to distress (i.e., depression and interpersonal distress) through self-defeating patterns. Our results are in accordance with clinical perspectives and thus can be used to help individuals with high levels of self-defeating patterns understand the roots and the negative psychological impact of their patterns (e.g., Hartzler & Brownson, 2001). In addition to supporting these theoretical and clinical conceptualizations, the present results are in line with previous empirical evidence regarding the positive associations between adult attachment and self-defeating patterns (McCutcheon, 1998;Williams & Schill, 1994) and between poor parent-child relationship and self-defeating patterns (Pezzarossa et al, 2002;Rubino et al, 2004;Schill et al, 1991).…”

“…Therefore, effective coping might be a potential mediator between self-defeating patterns and distress. Second, the final model is consistent with the clinical recommendations from Hartzler and Brownson (2001). It is likely that the final model may be replicated with a clinical sample.…”

“…Second, Brownson and Hartzler (2000) developed a protocol for a theme group of "defeating your self-defeating behaviors" for college students. Even though they did not conduct empirical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of this theme group, participants from 20 of such groups at a university counseling center generally responded very positively (Hartzler & Brownson, 2001). Clinicians at university student counseling centers can implement this "defeating your self-defeating behaviors" theme group for college students.…”

“…Lester and Hoffman (1992) also found that the general self-defeating pattern was associated with depression (see Path b in Figure 1). From their clinical wisdom, Hartzler and Brownson (2001) argued that those who engage in self-defeating patterns might be vulnerable to psychological difficulties. For example, individuals may initially avoid social gatherings to protect themselves from possible rejection (an immediate benefit).…”

Moving from a compliance‐based to an integrity‐based organizational climate in the food supply chain

“… Note . This table is adapted from Baumeister, Heatherton, and Tice (1994), Baumeister and Scher (1988), Cudney and Hardy (1993), Goulston (2005), Goulston and Goldberg (1996), Hartzler and Brownson (2001), Meglino and Korsgaard (2004), Renn, Allen, Fedor, and Davis (2005), Renn, Allen, and Huning (2011), Renn et al. (2018), Steel, Brothen, and Wambach (2001), Thau, Aquino, and Poortvliet (2007), Twenge, Baumeister, DeWall, Ciarocco, and Bartels (2007), and Wolters (2003)…”