Attempting to validate a group psychotherapy session taxonomy: A conceptual replication and extension

This study attempted to conceptually replicate the five-category typology system for group psychotherapy sessions developed by Li et al. (2021) and aimed to identify whether sessions of one type and one climate valence were more likely to follow sessions of the same type (perseveration effect) and similar valence (climate valence continuity), respectively. Ninety-eight individuals with a history of problematic alcohol use attended one of 19 six-session groups, which were either focused on identity transitions or career development. Following each session, individuals' perceptions of the group climate were assessed on the three dimensions of engagement, avoiding, and conflict. A k-means cluster analysis was performed in an attempt to replicate Li et al.'s taxonomy but failed. As a result, an exploratory hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted followed by a confirmatory k-means cluster analysis. Findings identified three types of group sessions: cohesively collaborative, unenthusiastically detached, and politely aloof. Results did not identify a perseveration effect or climate valence continuity. This new typology identified was inconsistent with that of Li et al., indicating that one classification system may not be suitable for all types of groups. The results provide an alternate session typology that may be used to characterize structured group sessions for individuals with problematic alcohol use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).