An investigation of therapeutic factors in children's groups

The therapeutic factors present in children's groups were examined in this study for the first time. Using recorded interviews and the Group Counseling Helpful Impacts Scale (D. M. Kivlighan, K. D. Multon, & D. F. Brossat, 1996), the authors examined 4 categories: emotional awareness-insight, relationship-climate, other- versus self-focus, and problem identification- change. The sample consisted of 64 10-year-old boys and girls, in all-female or mixed-gender groups (n = 10). Results indicated that group relationship-climate was the therapeutic factor most frequently mentioned by the children and that problem identification-change was least appreciated. One difference was found between boys and girls, and one between all-female and mixed-gender groups. The discussion focuses on the importance and meaning of relationship-climate for children in group therapy.