The effectiveness of group psychotherapy with chronic schizophrenic patients and an evaluation of different therapeutic methods.

Abstract

"The effectiveness of group psychotherapy with chronic schizophrenic patients and the relative merits of two different therapeutic methods were evaluated. Thirty-nine patients were selected and assigned to five matched groups, four experimental and one control. The two methods of group therapy were designated Active-Participant and Active-Interpretive, and were characterized by contrasting styles of leadership. The experimental groups each had 50 hours of therapy. The measure of therapeutic effectiveness used was the Palo Alto Hospital Adjustment Scale. The results permitted the conclusion that chronic schizophrenic patients improve in group therapy with respect to interpersonal functioning. Differences in the relative merits of the two methods of group therapy were not demonstrated." 15 references.