T-groups (training groups) in psychiatric residency programs: facts and possible implications

The authors studied T-groups offered in psychiatric residency programs in the United States in 1992. A 32-item questionnaire was sent to the residency training directors of 297 psychiatric programs and 34% responded. Results of the questionnaire are presented and their possible implications are discussed. These include: (1) programs that offer T-group value it as indicated by the time allotted to it, the quality of the T-group leaders, and the objectives within the residency program it seeks to accomplish; (2) 45% of respondents not offering T-groups cite negative attitudes toward T-groups (theirs or their residents) as a reason for this decision; (3) T-group, often equated with psychodynamic process, may have suffered the same recent deemphasis as has the teaching of psychodynamic psychotherapy; (4) and T-group, by its very nature, has educational as well as therapeutic features, a combination that creates tensions with regard to the T-group contract, especially the items having to do with confidentiality and attendance. The authors suggest group therapy will be a primary treatment modality in the coming years of economic constraint. They also recommend making a case to residency training directors for T-group and its inclusion in psychiatric curricula.