Development and Preliminary Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Psychoeducational Group Alliance Scale for Children (PGAS-c) in Two Samples of Children Participating in Groups

Abstract

Studies examining processes in youth group psychotherapy are scarce. This article reports on the development and psychometric properties of the Psychoeducational Group Alliance Scale for Children (PGAS-c). This scale was designed to assess the therapeutic alliance that develops between the members and the facilitator in a psychoeducational group intervention for children and was tested in 2 samples of children participating in different psychoeducational groups. The PGAS-c was internally consistent in both samples. Concurrent validity was examined using correlations with an established measure of therapeutic relationship (the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory). Reliability and validity of the PGAS-c were supported in both samples.

Keywords:

• children
• group processes
• psychoeducational group interventions
• scale development
• therapeutic alliance

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andreas Brouzos

Andreas Brouzos, Ph.D., is a professor and director of the Laboratory for Educational Psychology, Counseling and Research in the Department of Primary Education at the University of Ioannina.

Stephanos P. Vassilopoulos

Stephanos P. Vassilopoulos, Ph.D., is an associate professor of counseling and education in the Department of Primary Education at the University of Patras.

Vasiliki C. Baourda

Vasiliki C. Baourda, M.Sc., is a psychologist and person-centered psychotherapist, and a scientific associate in the Laboratory for Educational Psychology, Counseling and Research in the Department of Primary Education at the University of Ioannina.