Attachment style and observed initial self-disclosure as explanatory variables of group functioning

The study investigated attachment style (based on a self-report questionnaire) and self-disclosure in the first group counseling session (based on observational data) as explanatory variables of group functioning. The level of self-disclosure of more than 400 participants in 27 counseling groups, who also completed the attachment questionnaire developed by K. Bartholomew and L. M. Horowitz (1991), was assessed on the basis of transcripts of the 1st group session. Group functioning, evaluated by participants and the group leader, included self-disclosure, group intimacy, group empathy, and client behavior. Results indicated a significant relationship between attachment and initial self-disclosure. Moreover, attachment style explained all 6 group behaviors, whereas initial self-disclosure explained 4 of the 6 behaviors. Implications for group counselors are discussed.