Relatedness, group work, and outcome in long-term inpatient psychotherapy groups

Process and outcome measures were compared in two long-term groups. The measure "Relatedness" reflected an individual's attachment to and comfort with the group, and "Group Work" indicated perception of the group as having a positive working climate. High Relatedness scores predicted better outcome at 18-month follow-up. Group Work scores were not related to outcome. Relatedness and Group Work scores were not correlated. Results replicate in a group psychotherapy population the importance, reported in individual therapy literature, of an early and sustained positive therapeutic alliance (Relatedness). However, a measure that is closely related to the concept of "working alliance" (Group Work) did not predict outcome.