Self-disclosure, feedback, and outcome in long-term inpatient psychotherapy groups

Process and outcome measures were compared in two long-term psychotherapy groups. Measures of Self-Disclosure and Feedback were based on analysis of videotaped sessions by use of Bales's SYMLOG three-axial system. These measures were then combined to form a measure of Interpersonal Work. High Interpersonal Work scores, both in early sessions and throughout treatment, predicted better outcome for individual members at 18-month follow-up. Interpersonal Work scores in later group sessions were not related to outcome. Findings suggest that early sessions are a critical time for members to develop a working style in the group. Members who fail to do so have a less successful outcome even if their working styles improve in later sessions.