WHAT IS COHESIVENESS - AN EMPIRICAL-EXAMINATION

This study explores the components of cohesiveness in group psychotherapy and the phase-specific nature of these elements. Ratings were performed on 12 time-limited outpatient psychotherapy groups using the Harvard Community Health Plan Group Cohesiveness Scale (GCS) and the Individual Group Member Interpersonal Process Scale (IGIPS). The GCS measures global group cohesiveness and has been found to be associated with outcome. The IGIPS measures statement-by-statement group therapy process dimensions hypothesized to be associated with positive outcome in group treatment. The results demonstrate that various types of observable participant behaviors (e.g., many members having the opportunity to speak during a given session) are related to group cohesion. However, the particular participant behaviors that related to cohesion vary according to the phase of the group therapy. Whereas a specific type of member behavior may be viewed as related to cohesion at a given point in treatment, at other periods of the therapy, no such relationship is found to exist. These findings are consistent with current theories of group development and may inform therapists' decisions about specific interventions that could enhance cohesion at different phases of group therapy.