The group therapy process and its effectiveness with chronic schizophrenic patients as a function of the role of the leader.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston UniversityA survey of the literature shows that group psychotherapy with the psychoses, since its inception thirty-five years ago, has assumed a position of major importance as a method of treatment. Despite the widespread use of group therapy, research has not kept pace with the clinical use of this technique. The need for experimentation in this area is recognized. There is general agreement on many fundamental issues that require empirical investigation. In accordance with this consensus regarding the need for basic research, it seemed possible to investigate the following three problems: (l) the effectiveness of group psychotherapy; (2) the relative effectiveness of two different therapeutic approaches; and (3) the influence of the role of the leader upon the group process. The focus in this study of group therapy was on the development of interaction as it is related to the style of leadership