Comparative Effectiveness of Videotape Pretraining versus No Pretraining on Selected Process and Outcome Variables in Group Therapy

Abstract

This study was conducted to measure the effects of pretherapy training on selected process and outcome variables in time-limited psychotherapy. 90 inmates in a medium-security Federal Penitentiary who volunteered for the study were divided into experimental and control groups; the experimental subjects were exposed to a videotape presentation of a model psychotherapy group followed by a guided performance experience. Expert group psychotherapists conducted 8 sessions in consecutive weeks. Levels of anxiety and subjects' perceptions of therapy were assessed prior to entering the groups. Quality of group interactions were measured at intervals during the 8 weeks of the study. Attendance and clients', peers', and therapists' perception of progress were assessed as outcome variables. Pre-trained clients went into the therapeutic experience with clearer expectations of group treatment, demonstrated more desirable behaviors in the early stages of therapy and made more progress toward individual goals as perceived by both therapists and peers. Implications for pretraining for overtly resistant clients are discussed.