Therapist Variables Related to Cohesiveness in a Group Treatment for Depression

The increase in subjective and objective reports on the success of group therapy as a treatment modality has motivated behavioral scientists to examine more thoroughly group dynamics and their effects on treatment outcome (Day, 1981; Flowers & Booraem, 1980; Schaffer, 1982). Cohesiveness is one aspect of group dynamics that has been of particular interest. The literature bearing on the issue of group cohesive-ness generally falls into one of three categories: (1) defining and measuring cohesiveness, (2) identifying factors that are related to the development of cohesiveness, and (3) investigating the effects of cohesiveness on group therapy outcome. AUTHORS ’ NOTE: This study is based on a dissertation submitted by the senior author in partial fulftllment of the requirements of the doctoral degree at the University of Oregon. The work was supported in part by a research grant from th