Intensive analysis of therapeutic factors and outcome in long-term inpatient groups

Two long-term analytic inpatient groups comprised of severely disturbed neurotic and personality disordered patients were intensively investigated through process ratings and therapist and patient reports with regard to five therapeutic factors: cohesiveness, self-disclosure, feedback, interpersonal learning-output, and family re-enactment. The process variables were correlated with outcome assessments at 12 and 18 months following treatment. The study applied a single case (group) approach with replication to cross-validate the findings from one group to the next. Results demonstrated that all five therapeutic factors were meaningfully associated with clinical improvement. Although different treatment groups may generate unique psychological climates for producing change, the findings suggest that group cohesiveness is an important ingredient for effective group process to occur. The multimethod, multiperspective nature of this study lends considerable credence to the findings, despite the small sample size.