The Effect of Three Group Formats on Group Interaction Patterns

Abstract

The interaction patterns in task groups, verbal groups, and activity-based verbal roups were compared in order to P generate information about the ef ect of group format on the communication process. The results indicated that the task group formats had more positive social-emotional communications, more interaction between members, and fewer members not interacting than the other two formats. The verbal and activity-based verbal groups had more discussion of feelin s and more leader involvement. These findings have usefulness f or selecting treatment group formats to best meet therapeutic needs and for validating the distinct role of activity groups within the overall treatment program.