The Dynamics of "Corrective" Groups

Abstract

Noting the limited understanding of group dynamics among health researchers using corrective groups, this paper proposes that a number of principles already established in the field of small groups might be used to facilitate the processes of conformity and social control in corrective groups. An exploratory experiment designed to test the eflects of several group characteristics was conducted with smoking cessation groups. The experiment, with smokers wishing to quit, included four conditions: one with experimenter attention; a second with attention and simple group environment; a third with attention, environment, and public commitment; and a fourth with attention, environment, commitment, and goal interdependence. It was hypothesized that pressures toward conformity and control would increase with the addition of each successive characteristic, and that smoking reduction among the conditions would be ordered along this pressure dimension. The results of the experiment support the hypothesis; smoking reduction increased directly with increasing social pressure. Needs for further research adopting small groups principles for use in corrective groups are discussed.