Systems-Centered Functional Subgrouping and Large-Group Outcome

Abstract

303 1 SCT® and Systems-Centered® are registered trademarks of Dr. Yvonne M. Agazarian and the Systems-Centered Training and Research Institute Inc., a nonprofit organization. The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Emma N. Cleary and Corinne N. Stockmal to the preparation of this manuscript. 2 Professor, Institute for Decision Excellence and Leadership, Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York. Correspondence should be addressed to Richard M. O’Neill, PhD, ABPP, CGP, Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210. E-mail: oneillr@ upstate.edu. 3 Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Penn State University. Large experiential groups are common at association conferences and are presented as positive experiences with positive outcomes. However, empirical investigation of effects is lacking. Systems-Centered therapy (SCT) methods are designed to improve the process and outcome of groups whatever their size. In this project, large-group members (n = 264) were trained to use SCT’s cardinal method of “functional subgrouping” while discussing professional roles. Preto postgroup, members on average reported no change in mood, but members scoring higher on the SCT Functional Subgrouping Questionnaire (FSQ) reported significantly more positive change in mood and greater connection to the association. Also, members with higher FSQ scores reported feeling more heard during the group and greater satisfaction with learning. Suggestions are made for future research that may further substantiate these findings.