Association of personal, process, and outcome variables in group counseling: Testing an exploratory model

This study measured relationships among personal, process, and outcome variables in a student population (n = 205) participating in group counseling. Personal variables included intention to disclose, self-esteem, risk taking, and interpersonal relationships. Process variables included bonding with group members, bonding with leader, impression of therapy, self-disclosure, and resistance. Analyses were conducted with hierarchical models and Mplus. Results indicated gains in interpersonal relationships, which were associated with their own initial scores, with intention to disclose mediated by impression of therapy, and with self-disclosure. Three of the four personal variables (risk taking being the exception) were associated with the process variables of bonding with group and leader and impression of therapy, all moderately interrelated. Self-disclosure was unrelated to any personal or process variables.