Systems-centered training groups' process and outcome: a comparison with AGPA institute groups

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Group Dynamics
• Psychotherapy Training

Background:

• Experiential group training is crucial for developing therapeutic skills.
• Systems-Centered Training (SCT) and American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) Institute training represent distinct approaches to group psychotherapy education.
• Previous research has established benchmarks for AGPA Institute training outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the process and outcomes of SCT groups with historical AGPA Institute groups.
• To explore within-group changes in SCT groups and their relation to learning and emotional experience.
• To provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of SCT's "functional subgrouping" concept.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design comparing six experiential SCT groups to data from two prior AGPA Institute studies.
• Analysis of process variables within SCT groups.
• Examination of the relationship between process variables and post-training outcomes (learning, anxiety, depression).

Main Results:

• SCT training outcomes were comparable to AGPA Institute groups.
• Preliminary, indirect support was found for the utility of SCT's "functional subgrouping".
• Within-group analyses indicated SCT may uniquely influence group dynamics, learning, and emotional experience, aligning with SCT theory.

Conclusions:

• SCT demonstrates comparable effectiveness to established AGPA training models.
• Functional subgrouping in SCT shows potential, though further investigation is warranted.
• SCT may offer distinct pathways for enhancing group training, learning, and member well-being.