Examining a Cohesion-Focused Model in Experiential Growth Groups: A Single Case Research Design

Arnold R.A., Burlingame G.M., Olsen J.A.

It is not yet fully understood how alliance, cohesion, and climate differentially correlate with client outcome in group therapy, especially when assessed simultaneously. This study aims to elucidate these relationships through an archival analysis of continuous Group Questionnaire (GQ) and Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45) data from 412 group therapy clients at college counseling centers, which were originally collected by Burlingame, Whitcomb, et al. (2018). We predicted that alliance, cohesion, and climate would each correlate with improvements in outcome and, further, that they would have similar relationships with change in outcome. Results indicate that greater alliance, cohesion, and climate are individually associated with lower distress. This relationship was significant regarding session-to-session fluctuations on individual client scores (p < .01), as well as regarding differences between clients in their personal averages across sessions (p < .01). However, when linear growth trajectories were considered, only alliance was significantly associated with improvement (p < .05). In other words, alliance, climate, and cohesion all correlate with outcome when time is ignored; however, alliance alone significantly correlates with outcome when change over time is taken into account. This study highlights the importance of the client-therapist relationship, emphasizing how alliance is significantly related to change in group therapy. Thus, therapists should prioritize a strong bond with clients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Liu Y., Zhu P., Li D.

Grounded in the relational-cultural theory (RCT), this study aimed to illuminate mutual empathy bounded by semester-long experiential growth groups (EGGs). Following the case study design, we colle...

Burlingame G.M., Alldredge C.T., Arnold R.A.

The identification of relationship ruptures in group therapy coupled with repair efforts by the group leader are addressed from a measurement-based care (MBC) perspective. Several MBC systems are n...

Li C., Lertora I., Dowda R., Lin Y.

Students in counseling programs tend to learn better by being active participants in the classroom. Using a relational-cultural pedagogical approach, the authors share an experiential learning prac...

Manolov R., Solanas A., Sierra V.

Changing criterion designs (CCD) are single-case experimental designs that entail a step-by-step approximation of the final level desired for a target behavior. Following a recent review on the des...

Tate R.L., Perdices M.

Burlingame G.M., McClendon D.T., Yang C.

Cohesion is the most popular of the relationship constructs in the group therapy literature. This article reviews common definitions of cohesion, the most frequently studied measures, and a measure that may clarify group relations using two latent factors (quality and structure) to explain common variance among frequently used group relationship instruments. We present the results of a meta-analysis examining the relation between group cohesion and treatment outcome in 55 studies. Results indicate that the weighted aggregate correlation between cohesion and treatment outcome was statistically significant, r = .26, z = 6.54 (p < .01), reflecting a moderate effect size (d = .56). Heterogeneity of effect sizes was significant (Q = 260.84, df = 54, p < .001) and high (I2 = 79.3%), supporting moderator analyses. Six moderator variables were found to significantly predict the magnitude of the cohesion-outcome association (type of outcome measure, leader interventions to increase cohesion, theoretical orientation, type of group, emphasis on group interaction, and dose or number of group sessions). Patient contributions, diversity considerations, and evidence-based therapeutic practices are highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Petursdottir A.I., Carr J.E.

Mainstream research design in the social and behavioral sciences has often been conceptualized using a taxonomy of threats to experimental validity first articulated by Campbell and his colleagues (Campbell & Stanley, 1966; Cook & Campbell, 1979). The most recent update of this framework was published by Shadish, Cook, and Campbell (2002), in which the authors describe different types of validity and numerous threats to each primarily in terms of group-design experiments. In the present article, we apply Shadish et al.’s analysis of threats to internal, external, statistical conclusion, and construct validity to single-case experimental research as it is typically conducted in applied behavior analysis. In doing so, we hope to provide researchers and educators in the field with a translation of the validity-threats taxonomy into terms and considerations relevant to the design and interpretation of applied behavior-analytic research for the purposes of more careful research design and the ability to communicate our designs to individuals outside of behavior analysis, using their own vocabulary.

Oh S., Mitchell M.D., McKinzie Bennett C., Rendon Finnell L., Saliba Y., Heard N.J., Pennock E.R.

This study investigated the effect of journal sharing in counselor education experiential growth groups. Outcome measures included change in group cohesion over time and rate of group cohesion chan...

Kiweewa J.M., Gilbride D., Luke M., Clingerman T.

This article reports results of a study that tracked growth factors in experiential training groups through Tuckman’s conceptual framework of group development using Critical Incidents methodology ...

Janis R.A., Burlingame G.M., Olsen J.A.

The use of outcome monitoring systems to identify clients that are at-risk for treatment failure has now become part of daily clinical practice, shown in >25 empirical studies to improve client outcomes. These promising findings have led to outcome monitoring systems being recognized as evidence-based. Feedback systems based on client perception of therapeutic processes are recent additions to the monitoring literature, and the research suggests that these too lead to improved outcomes. Unfortunately, feedback systems and research have been primarily limited to individual therapy, creating a knowledge gap for multiperson treatment. This study reports on the development of a therapeutic relationship monitoring system for group treatment using results from 6 Group Questionnaire (GQ) studies conducted in 4 unique clinical populations: nonclinical process, counseling center, European inpatient, and seriously mentally ill inpatients. The GQ is a factor-analytically derived scale, which assesses a client's perception of 3 relationship quality constructs (positive bond, positive work, and negative relationship) across 3 structural domains (member-member, member-leader, and member-group). The first goal of the present study was to replicate the previously established factor structure across each clinical population. The second goal was to establish normative values and relevant feedback alerts for the GQ subscales in each population. Findings support the GQ factor structure across clinical populations, indicating that the constructs measured by the GQ bear similar relationships in each population. Further, findings support the implementation of unique norms and feedback alerts in each clinical population, reflecting the reality of meaningful differences between clinical populations. (PsycINFO Database Record

Zhu P.

The experiential growth group (EGG) is a common pedagogical activity employed in counselor education and is required by CACREP and ASGW standards. However, various parameters of such a training modality were not specified. The author first reviewed the multitude of current EGG delivery methods and student experiences in EGG. Then, 3 aspects of the EGG practice (i.e., pedagogy, research, and ethical dilemmas) were discussed by incorporating the existing theoretical and empirical literature. Implications for each aspect were discussed. This review highlighted the need for an intentional integration of theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence in future EGG practice.

Hall B.S., Harper I., Korcuska J.

We explored students’ experiences of a graduate level group course infused with components of the Relational Cultural Theory (RCT). During the didactic and experiential aspects of 2 semester-long group courses, the faculty instructors and students focused on creating an environment of safety, connection, and empowerment. The instructor and students engaged each other as group leaders and group members. We utilized phenomenology to gather and analyze data gathered from students interviewed about their experience. From this process, we identified 5 themes, each addressing how students summarized their interactions and sense of relational practice.

Brogan K.M., Falligant J.M., Rapp J.T.

Adolescents who have been adjudicated for illegal sexual behavior may receive treatment that requires attending group therapy sessions and classes. For some adolescents, nonsexual problem behavior (e.g., verbal outbursts, noncompliance) interferes with their ability to participate in group treatment. Researchers used a multiple-baseline across groups design with an embedded changing criterion design to evaluate the effects of an interdependent group contingency for decreasing disruptive behavior in adolescents across two therapy groups. Results indicated that the procedure was effective in reducing disruptive behavior emitted by adolescents in group therapy. Measures of social validity indicated that both the therapists and students viewed the overall procedures and outcomes as acceptable. Implications for interdependent group contingencies across diverse populations are discussed.

McCarthy C.J., Whittaker T.A., Boyle L.H., Eyal M.

Rigorous scholarship is essential to the continued growth of group work, yet the unique nature of this counseling specialty poses challenges for quantitative researchers. The purpose of this proposal is to overview unique challenges to quantitative research with groups in the counseling field, including difficulty in obtaining large sample sizes and the violation of the independence assumption. Current practice is illustrated by referencing recent quantitative research in The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, and recommendations are provided for best practices in designing, analyzing, and reporting quantitative research.