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Interpersonal perception in group therapy: a social relations analysis
1Division of Psychology and Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341-2447.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Group members form impressions of each other, showing consensus and self-perception links. This study validates the social relations model for group therapy research and Kiesler's interpersonal circle.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Group Therapy
Background:
- Group therapists highlight interpersonal perception and feedback.
- Limited systematic research exists on how group members form impressions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interpersonal perception within group therapy settings.
- To test the applicability of Kiesler's interpersonal circle framework.
- To evaluate the utility of the social relations model in group therapy research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Impact Message Inventory for impression reporting.
- Collected self-report data from 45 participants (27 women, 18 men) across 9 therapy groups.
- Applied social relations analysis to examine perceptions.
Main Results:
- Perceptions among group members demonstrated both assimilation and consensus.
- A correlation was found between participants' self-perception before therapy and how others perceived them.
- The social relations model proved useful for analyzing group therapy dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the utility of the social relations model in group therapy research.
- Findings offer modest empirical support for Kiesler's interpersonal circle theory.
- Interpersonal perception dynamics within therapy groups are complex and measurable.