Group Perceptions as Predictors of Outcome in the Treatment of Incest Survivors

Abstract

This study examined group perceptions as predictors of treatment outcome for 49 adult survivors of father–daughter incest participating in a 10-week group therapy program. Repertory grid measures of clients' perceptions of other group members and leaders in early and late treatment were considered as potential predictors of outcome, with pretreatment symptomatology treated as a covariate. Findings indicated that reduced identification, negativity, and tendency to construe members and therapists in extreme, polarized terms were associated with poorer outcome, defined in terms of social adjustment, self-concept, and symptomatic distress at termination and 6-month follow-up. However, the specific set of predictors shifted over time, with perceptions of other group members playing a more significant role early in therapy, and perceptions of therapists being more predictive of outcome when assessed in the penultimate session.