Interpersonal perception in group therapy: a social relations analysis

Although group therapists have emphasized the importance of interpersonal perception and feedback during therapy, there has been little systematic research on how group members form impressions of one another. D.J. Kiesler's (1983) interpersonal circle provides a framework for studying interpersonal perception and relations. Twenty-seven women and 18 men from 9 time-limited therapy groups reported their impressions of their fellow group members using the Impact Message Inventory, and they also completed 2 self-report scales. A social relations analysis of this data indicated that Subjects' perceptions included both assimilation and consensus. There was also a relationship between how Subjects saw themselves before therapy and how they were seen by other group members. The results demonstrated the utility of the social relations model for group therapy research and provided modest support for Kiesler's interpersonal circle.