Suchergebnisse

Whether groups develop in stages, cycles, or combinations of cycles within stages, processes guiding group development rarely follow monotonic growth patterns (e.g., linear). Standard statistical methods cannot be used to model non-growth processes because they assume that all group members manifest the same growth pattern. We demonstrate how non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) profile analysis detects population-level latent normative profiles of non-growth change for repeatedly measured group processes (therapeutic factors) and estimates their association with an external outcome measure (interpersonal problems). Thirty-three individuals participating in counselor training groups reported critical incidents for each of 22 consecutive sessions. Independent judges coded critical incidents using a therapeutic factors rating scheme. Three normative therapeutic factor non-growth profiles were retained, one of which (cycles of interpersonal exploring followed by retreating to safety) predicted decreases in interpersonal problems between pre-test and post-test. Identifying normative- and member-specific change patterns may aid practitioners in matching therapeutic strategies with therapeutic needs.