Predicting Verbal Behavioral Change in Group Therapy Using a Screening Scale

Abstract

A factored 10-item scale composed of demographic and behavioral data derived from a group screening session was used in an attempt to predict verbal response level and verbal change in group psychotherapy. 23 male neuropsychiatric patients were seen for periods ranging from 8 to 18 sessions and their verbal responsivity measured using a modification of group process rating scales. Rank-order correlations between screening scale scores and the verbal response categories ranged from .64 to −.64. Scores on the scale were useful in predicting certain response classes but less so in predicting change in response categories over time.