The association of process with outcomes in child group therapy

This study investigated the prediction of outcomes by process variables related to client and therapist behavior in support groups of children being treated for emotional and behavioral difficulties. The study included 40 groups (N = 266) and 40 counselors. The association of process with outcomes was analyzed through hierarchical structural equation modeling (Mplus 5.1). The child model showed that bonding affected group functioning and anxiety, group functioning affected social competence and client behavior, therapeutic change affected anxiety, and reduced anxiety affected reduction in aggression. The therapist model pointed to encouragement, interpretation, and therapist self-disclosure as having a positive impact on outcomes and challenges as affecting them negatively. The discussion points to the importance of process variables for clinicians.