The effectiveness of group psychotherapy with children

Review of empirical outcome research on children's activity, behavior modification, play, and verbal therapy groups reveals unconvincing evidence of their effectiveness. An approximately equivalent number of studies yielded generally positive, mixed, and null results. Little evidence of deterioration was found. On a comparative basis, the results tend to favor behavioral as opposed to other approaches. This article includes recommendations for improving the quality of the data base and increasing its potential for influencing practice.