The different patterns of group climate critical incidents in high and low cohesion sessions of group psychotherapy

The total data set for this study consisted of 958 critical incidents from high and low cohesion sessions in person-centered group psychotherapy. These incidents were typically noted on a group climate questionnaire at the end of each session. Altogether 211 clients and students participated in twenty-six groups. The high cohesion sessions were dominated by the following cohesion dimensions in rank order: self-disclosure and feedback (24.0%); attraction and bonding (20.2%); listening and empathy (20.0%); process performance and goal attainment (15.0%); and support and caring (10.6%). The corresponding rank order for the low cohesion sessions was strikingly different: avoidance and defensiveness (43.5%); conflict and rebellion (22.2%); and self-disclosure and feedback (8.9%). Apparently then, there are very different patterns of critical incidents in high and low cohesion sessions of group psychotherapy.