Integrating Sociological and Psychoanalytic Concepts by Otto Pollak

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 selfdisclosure and feedback (8.9%).

Apparently then, there are very different patterns of critical incidents in high and low cohesion sessions of group psychotherapy.