Small Group Research

In the early 1950s, Herbert Thelen and his coworkers developed a behavioral rating system based on the group dynamic theory of Bion. The methodological work with this system was incomplete. The authors have revised the system and in this article report the new criteria and assessment procedures. A reliability study based on act-by-act scrutiny of 4,343 verbal statements revealed an overall agreement of 77. The range for the emotionality subcategories on specific agreement was from 57 to .67. Mean correlation coefficient for the emotionally charged statements was .80 (n = 12 group sessions). Finally, the validity of the emotionality categories is discussed according to the scientific ideals of logical empiricism and hermeneutics

This article focuses on the function of humor in a small, family-owned business and presents the taxonomy of humor that was found. The various types of humor help maintain low status differentials and help alleviate workplace tension. Humor also has implications for socialization of employees and appears to help create bonds among the employees.

This article argues that current trait, style, situational, and functional leadership approaches pose several barriers to increasing our understanding of the relationship between leadership and group performance. An alternative conceptualization of leadership based upon communication competencies is presented. In the first section, a critique of traditional leadership approaches is offered. In the second section, a communication competency model is developed. Three situational factors that influence the need for the performance of communication competencies are proposed (1) task complexity, (2) group climate, and (3) role relationships. In the third section, a series of heuristic propositions-linking communication competencies, conversational topics, situational dimensions, and group outcomes are stated to serve as a framework for future leadership research from a communication competency perspective

Observational data on nonverbal behaviors in small groups are analyzed to assess whether such behaviors significantly change within or across group meetings Results show that kinesic limb movements (arm placements on the lap with palms up or palms down), posture (sitting upright or leaning back), eye shifts toward or away from direct eye contact, and body orientation (angle) relative to another interactant significantly changed across five group sessions. Discussion focuses on relating results of nonverbal behavioral changes to patterns reported for distributions of verbal interaction behavior.

This article examines polydisciplinary groups in the human services. A polydisciplinary group is one in which there is a mix of disciplines or professions. Four types of polydisciplinary groups are identified and described; these are multidisciplinary, pluridisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary groups. Various problems in the use of these groups are then discussed, followed by an exploration of possible solutions.

The Hill Interaction Matrix was used to measure the content and quality of interactions in a 12-hour therapy group of drug addicts. The group included six black and six white male clients and three therapists. The level of therapeutic work was measured by using four categories: conventional, assertive, speculative, and confrontive. The content of interactions was also measured by using four categories: topic, group, personal, and relationship. The group was characterized as highly confrontive, and the most therapeutic interactions occurred during the middle six hours of group time.

Men in our society are culturally conditioned to be strong and independent, and to repress emotions other than anger. In working with the male alcoholic, attention to cultural/sex-role norms is essential. This article describes the introduction of a gender-based men's group to meet the special needs of the male alcoholic client

This article outlines some of the factors to be considered when planning inpatient groups for psychiatric patients. A model is presented for group psychotherapy with a heterogeneous admission ward population. The model includes session plans based on objectives graded according to patients' levels of functioning. Also discussed are group rules and the therapist's role.

Single parents are vulnerable to the effects of stress. This article presents a case study in group work with Israeli single parents using a stress-coping model. The elements include the development of relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and social relationship skills. Data were collected on attendance, participation, stress, and satisfaction. Experience with the group supported the view that single parents experience multiple sources of stress in a situational context. The international adaptability of the model is supported.

Introducing specific structures and exercises within the ongoing context of the psychotherapy group most directly controls the course of events and affects the members' perceptions of the group and of the leader. Since groups are already full of ongoing issues, themes, and feelings, a successful exercise must highlight existent group processes, rather than bypassing them or creating a novel experential set Proper choice, selection, and timing of exercises enhances their effectiveness and utility, and provides for an integrated group experience. Here we present a five-step model to prepare, work with, process, generalize, and refer back to key structural interventions and exercises in group psychotherapy settings