Does ethnicity explain functioning in group counseling? The case of Arab and Jewish counseling trainees in Israel

This study compared the functioning in group counseling of two ethnic groups - Arab and Jews in Israel. All participants were counseling trainees in a university program, led by one group leader. Variables included self-disclosure, goals for therapy, client behavior, and therapeutic factors, measured repeatedly (at least twice), either through questionnaires or through analyses of transcribed sessions. Statistical analyses were performed by means of a hierarchical model (mixed), with the individual nested within the small group and the ethnic cohort. In contrast to our expectations, results indicated more similarities than differences between the two cohorts. Moreover, Arab trainees intended to disclose more in group and actually did (based on a questionnaire) compared with their Jewish counterparts. On the Client Behavior Scale (C. E. Hill & K. O'Brien, 1999) there were a few differences revealed: Arab trainees displayed more simple responses, more cognitive exploration, and less resistance, insight, and therapeutic change. Two differences were revealed also on the therapeutic factors. The discussion cautions against unnecessary modifications made in interventions with different cultural groups in counseling.