Informational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal communication in a family practice resident support group

This prospective study compared group process literature to topics utilized in a year-long family practice resident support group.

The basic hypothesis was that resident support groups function in ways that are similar to other groups to the extent that the literature on group process could contribute to our understanding of support groups for residents.

Ten possible discussion topics were grouped along a continuum from informational to interpersonal to intrapersonal.

Data were subjected to three repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results reflected that informational topics did not decrease, interpersonal topics did increase significantly, yet intrapersonal topics did not reflect any significant changes over the course of study.

The preliminary findings indicated the research literature on group process may have application to resident support groups. When more formalized groups like Balint groups are not available, support groups may offer a forum to facilitate the interpersonal and intrapersonal discussions and communications of residents. Recommendations derived from the support group experience and the research are given.