Factors Related To Group Cohesiveness

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship of group cohesiveness to empathy, self-disclosure, acceptance, and trust, and compares three different groups (personal growth groups, DUI groups, and psychotherapy groups) on measures of cohesiveness. Three hypotheses are tested, using 65 group members divided into the three subgroups. As hypothesized, personal growth groups showed a significantly higher level of cohesiveness. All factors examined correlated significantly with cohesiveness and with one another. Trust seemed to be an independent factor underlying the entire process.