Client Engagement with a Manualized Group Therapy Program

ABSTRACT

A mixed-methods design was used to explore factors influencing client engagement, in a short-term, manualized, group therapy program for people with substance misuse problems. Associations between predictor variables and engagement with the group were explored. A number of pretreatment characteristics were found to be significantly related to client engagement. Thematic analysis of interviews with clients who dropped out of the group program revealed a number of other factors that influenced attrition among the sample. The results are worthy of consideration when assessing suitability of individuals for group treatment programs in addiction settings and more generally.

KEYWORDS:

• Addiction
• group treatment
• substance use disorders
• treatment engagement
• treatment retention

Acknowledgments

The research team would like to thank Dr. Martin Dempster and Dr. Donncha Hanna for their contribution to the analysis of data during the study and Dr. Kevin Dyer for his invaluable input during the initial planning and throughout the duration of the study.