Getting absorbed in group therapy: Absorption and cohesion in integrative group treatment

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAbsorption is a trait‐like dimension reflecting a tendency to immerse oneself in sensory and imaginative experiences. This characteristic has scarcely been investigated in group psychotherapy. The present study examined absorption in relation to clients′ experience of early group process, and as a moderator of group cohesion and improvement in psychiatric symptoms, in an integrative group treatment programme.MethodsParticipants included 81 clients, who completed an 18‐week programme of intensive, integrative, group treatment for personality dysfunction. Clients completed assessments of absorption and psychiatric symptom severity, and rated three aspects of group cohesion at week 5 of the programme.ResultsAbsorption was significantly associated with stimulation from the group after controlling for severity of symptoms and personality dysfunction. Moderation analyses found a significant interaction effect for absorption and the stimulation component of group cohesion with regard to symptom improvement. Absorption thus had a moderating effect on the relationship between stimulation from the group and improvement in psychiatric symptoms; for clients with higher levels of absorption, stimulation from group therapy contributed significantly to reduced symptom severity at post‐treatment.DiscussionFindings suggest that absorption may be a salient personality feature to consider in group therapy for clients with personality dysfunction.ConclusionAbsorption may contribute to treatment outcome, in that clients′ absorption tendencies could interact with their enthusiasm for the group experience, thereby leading to reduced symptoms following intensive group treatment.