Studies of the effects ofgroup composition on the outcomes of counseling groups have yielded mixed results. We have observed that the duration of the group experience and the degree of structure provided by the leader may be mediating variables. Using meta-analysis, this article examines 26 studies in which such relationships could be determined. We discovered that composition appears to have its greatest effect when the group is unstructured and relatively longer in duration. In contrast, leaders who use shorter-term groups that are rather structured may not need to concern themselves greatly with composition, because its potential effect is diluted by these other factors.
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