Training Group Leaders Research Articles

Is the Balint Group an Opportunity to Mentalize?

The Balint group, a time‐tested and efficacious resource for fortifying resilience among helping professionals, is explored in depth in this article through a case vignette. Despite its demonstrated efficacy in assisting professionals handling challenging cases, the Balint method's adoption remains inexplicably limited. We hypothesize that this restraint is due to a deficient understanding of the method's mechanics, operational processes and outcomes. In response, we offer a contemporary interpretation anchored in the theoretical framework of mentalization, aligning with current psychotherapeutic standards. The article underscores the Balint group's remarkable utility, akin to other mentalization‐based therapeutic methods, in navigating intricate cases, emotionally demanding situations and circumstances that exceed the expertise and experience of the professional. By highlighting this, we hope to broaden the acceptance of the method, enable systematic assessment of its effectiveness and augment training for group leaders and participant commitment. This endeavour represents both a nod to the research‐centric approach originally espoused by Mihály Bálint and an embrace of the growing emphasis on evidence‐based methodology in medicine and psychotherapy. Ultimately, we aim to illuminate the potential of the Balint group and promote its extensive application in support of helping professionals.

Exploring the Subjective Experiences of Peer-Led Social Support Groups for Individuals Bereaved by Suicide

Objectives: The insights of individuals bereaved by suicide who use peer-led social support groups are lacking in much of the clinical research. This review provided a synthesis of the existing knowledge base to support the development of strategies to improve peer-led social support group services. Design and Methods: A systematic search was carried out on eight electronic databases. Data were extracted and a systematic qualitative meta-aggregation was undertaken. Results: Key components of social support for individuals bereaved by suicide were the contribution of group dynamics to the attribution of meaning; the ways in which shared experience leads to the normalization of feelings; and the importance of support group homogeneity, consistency, and training to the participants’ experience. Conclusion: Peer-led social support groups can be invaluable for suicide-bereaved individuals, but attention must be paid to the structure, conduct, and training of group leaders and members in order to optimize outcomes.

Dynamics of Co-Leadership Development in an Experiential Training Group

ABSTRACT Group co-leadership requires facilitators to effectively work together to produce positive group outcomes; however, there is a paucity of information about how the co-leadership relationship develops. In this modified consensual qualitative research study, we explore the development of the group co-leadership relationship in doctoral-level trainees. Five doctoral student co-leaders facilitating experiential learning groups completed reflection journals on their leadership experiences. Findings revealed five relational dynamic themes experienced amongst co-leaders in leading an experiential training group. The primary implications from these findings can assist counselor educators in the training of group leaders.

Psychoeducational group intervention for intellectually able adults with autism and their close relations (Prisma) – an open feasibility study

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood is associated with severe impairments in functioning and poor health, while ASD is also affecting close relations. Accessible first-line interventions addressing the complex clinical needs and care coordination are lacking.MethodsThis study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effects of a new psychoeducational intervention (Prisma) developed for intellectually able adults with ASD and their close relations in an outpatient setting. The manualized Prisma intervention consist of four weekly group sessions guided by trained group leaders and providing information about autism, support, and services. Feasibility was examined through treatment completion rate and group-level comparisons between intervention completers and non-completers (Student’s t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson’s chi-squared test). Perceived treatment credibility was investigated by within-group comparisons of participant’s self-ratings from pre-intervention to post-intervention, as well as by group leaders’ ratings using an adjusted questionnaire. Treatment satisfaction was examined quantitatively regarding the session evaluations (Student’s t-tests), as well as by a qualitative thematic analysis of participants’ feedback. Preliminary efficacy was studied using paired t-tests (pre- and post-intervention).ResultsCompletion rate was 77% (n = 71 of the 92 adults with ASD) and 73% (n = 69 of the 94 close relations), respectively. Participants considered Prisma to be an acceptable intervention indicated by increases in treatment credibility and expectations from pre- to post-intervention. The group leaders reported treatment credibility in the same range as the participants. Both autistic adults and their close relations reported good treatment satisfaction for each session, while the qualitative thematic analysis indicated that Prisma could be improved by enhancing active participation. This participant feedback will be used to further improve the intervention for an upcoming RCT. Preliminary analyses of effects showed promising results with an increase in knowledge of ASD and some indications for improvements in relationship quality, mental health, quality of life, acceptance of diagnosis and burden of care.ConclusionsOverall, results indicate that the Prisma is a feasible and acceptable first-line intervention in outpatient services. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further corroborate the evidence base of this novel intervention.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.org NCT0446097, retrospectively registered July 8th 2020.

A trust model for consumer conversion in community-based group buying: the dual roles of group leaders

PurposeIn the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), due to the social distance restriction, consumers' regular consumption behaviors and patterns have been changing fundamentally. Thereafter, an innovative group buying model has emerged and developed explosively with a specific focus on consumer's location, known as community-based group buying (CGB). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transfer mechanism of user's trust in dyadic contexts of social and commercial role-playing in the CGB program.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an empirical research method, with an online and offline questionnaire survey, a total of 382 responses have been obtained. Then, both descriptive analysis and hierarchical regression analysis are conducted to explore the dual roles of group leader and its corresponding effects on consumers' trust (i.e. emotional trust and behavioral trust) and engagement actions (i.e. purchase and share) in the CGB program.FindingsResults indicate that resident's trust and their perception of group leader's friend role can positively enhance their engagement actions in the CGB programs. Meanwhile, for the purpose of profit maximization, the group leader is more willing to play a friend role in transactions no matter whether the role conflict exists.Originality/valueResearch findings provide some managerial insights for CGB platform on the selection and training of group leaders and the incentive mechanism design.

Recruitment, Retention, and Intervention Outcomes from the Dedicated African American Dad (DAAD) Study.

A significant proportion of African American (AA) fathers live in households apart from their young children. This living arrangementcan have detrimental effects for children, families, and fathers. One hundred seventy-eight (n = 178) AA fathers, not residing with their 2-6-year-old children, were enrolled in a randomized trial to test the Building Bridges to Fatherhood (BBTF) program against a financial literacy comparison condition. BBTF is an intervention that was developed collaboratively with a fathers' advisory council of AA fathers who oversaw all aspects of program development. Based upon advisory council feedback, short video scenes captured fathers interacting with their children, their children's mothers, and other fathers. These video scenes were used to jump start the discussion around fatherhood, parenting, communication, and problem solving during the intervention group meetings. The actors in the video scenes were recruited from the community. Two trained group leaders, using a standardized group leader manual, delivered the intervention. The Money Smart Financial Literacy Program (MSFLP), which served as the comparator, was also delivered by AA men. Program satisfaction was high in both conditions. Even so recruitment and retention challenges influenced the ability to detect father and child outcomes. This study informs the participation of vulnerable urban AA fathers in community-based fatherhood intervention research and provides insight into bolstering engagement in studies focused on this population.

Evaluating Delivery of a CBT-Based Group Intervention for Schoolchildren With Emotional Problems: Examining the Reliability and Applicability of a Video-Based Adherence and Competence Measure.

Adherence and competence are essential parts of program fidelity and having adequate measures to assess these constructs is important. The Competence and Adherence Scale for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CAS CBT) was developed to evaluate the delivery of cognitive therapies for children with clinical anxiety. The present study is an assessment of the slightly adapted version of the CAS CBT evaluating the delivery of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based preventive group intervention: EMOTION: Kids Coping with Anxiety and Depression. This study was part of a Norwegian cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) investigating the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic intervention, the EMOTION program—an indicated prevention program targeting anxious and depressive symptoms. The applicability and psychometric properties of the CAS CBT were explored. Results are based on six raters evaluating 239 video-recorded sessions of the EMOTION program being delivered by 68 trained group leaders from different municipal services. Interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC [3, 1]) indicated fair to good agreement between raters. Internal consistency of the instrument's key domains was calculated using the Omega coefficient which ranged between 0.70 to 0.94. There was a strong association between the two scales Adherence and Competence, and inter-item correlations were high across the items, except for the items rating the adherence to the session goals. Competence and Adherence Scale for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a brief measure for use in first-line services, with some promising features for easily assessing program fidelity, but some of the results indicated that the instrument should be improved. Future attention should also be made to adapt the instrument to fit better within a group setting, especially regarding evaluation of session goals. More research on how to adequately evaluate fidelity measures are also warranted.Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02340637.

Effect Of A Group Leader Training Program On The Group Counseling Skills Of Psychological Counselor Candidates

It is important to encourage psychological counselor candidates to do practice, as well as provide the theoretical basis for the counseling in a group within the psychological counseling education. Otherwise, they may be reluctant to manage a psychological counseling group. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a training program on the group counseling skills of counselor candidates. The experimental group of the research consisted of 37 group leader candidates (18 males and 19 females). Quantitative data were obtained using the Skilled Group Counseling Scale. Qualitative data were obtained from evaluation reports of the candidates at the end of the training and analyzed using the content analysis method. Quantitative findings of the research showed that, at the end of the training, all of the total and subscales scores of the Group Counseling Skills Scale of the candidates significantly meaningfully increased. Qualitative findings were grouped under 3 themes, as achievements (group counseling skills, group leader self-efficacy, and professional awareness), boosters, and difficulties.

Group Training of Patients with Chronic Lung Diseases under Outpatient Conditions - Recommendations of the Working Group Lung Sports in Germany and the German Airways League

To improve acceptance and use of physical training by patients with chronic lung diseases, recommendations for performing lung exercises on an outpatient basis in a group setting are given by experts in physical training, sports therapists and pulmonologists. The evidence-based positive effects of physical training were analyzed for asthma , COPD, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, lung carcinoma, and pulmonary hypertension. The requirements for lung exercises in outpatient groups as well as compensation by care providers were given on the basis of legal regulations. Furthermore, the main items of the training units as well as supervision by specially trained group leaders in relation to the severity of the underlying lung disease are described. Finally, aspects of safety of the participating patients are discussed, including the prevention of infection with corona-2-virus.

Group Training of Patients with Chronic Lung Diseases under Outpatient Conditions - Recommendations of the Working Group Lung Sports in Germany and the German Airways League

To improve acceptance and use of physical training by patients with chronic lung diseases, recommendations for performing lung exercises on an outpatient basis in a group setting are given by experts in physical training, sports therapists and pulmonologists. The evidence-based positive effects of physical training were analyzed for asthma , COPD, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, lung carcinoma, and pulmonary hypertension. The requirements for lung exercises in outpatient groups as well as compensation by care providers were given on the basis of legal regulations. Furthermore, the main items of the training units as well as supervision by specially trained group leaders in relation to the severity of the underlying lung disease are described. Finally, aspects of safety of the participating patients are discussed, including the prevention of infection with corona-2-virus.

The Group-Leader Self-Assessment (GLSA) Tool: Preliminary Study of Reliability and Validity

ABSTRACT Group leadership is a complex process of understanding group dynamics and leader actions. Practitioners of all disciplines need training to effectively lead groups. Psychometrically sound measures are needed to assess effectiveness of group-leader training. The Group Leader Self-Assessment (GLSA) tool, developed to address this need, demonstrates sound psychometric properties including sensitivity to change (pre- to posttest summary scores t = 15.79. p < .0001. Cohen’s d = 1.74), strong internal consistency (Cronbach α > .90), and high test retest reliability (ICC (3, 1) =.92; F 26.08; df1 = 16; p < .0001). Study results suggest GLSA use may help trainees identify goals for skill development and realize growth in leadership abilities.

Retention of volunteers and factors influencing program performance of the Senior Care Volunteers Training Program in Jiangsu, China.

As the country with the largest aging population, China faces an enormous challenge with its elderly support and care. One of the proposed solutions is the development of volunteerism for elderly care. The Senior Care Volunteers Training Program (SCVTP) was initiated by the Red Cross Society of China with the purpose of training volunteers to care for community seniors. As one of the four pilot provinces, Jiangsu Province launched the program since 2017. The present study was conducted to investigate the dropout rate of trained volunteer group leaders, the characteristics of the retained trained volunteer group leaders and the activities that their groups conducted. Additionally, the exploration of the factors influencing the SCVTP's performance was listed as another aim. A cross-sectional study was designed. The study used purposive sampling to select participants who meet the criteria from all the trained volunteer group leaders (n = 623). Demographic questionnaire, volunteer role identity (VRI) scale, attitude toward helping others (AHO) scale, team climate and atmosphere (TCA) scale, and volunteer program performance evaluation (VPPE) questionnaire were used to collect the data online. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the dropout rate and general characteristics of the retained volunteers and the activities. A multiple linear regression equation was developed to study the factors that influence program performance. In total, 307 questionnaires were valid in the study. About 67.9%, 53.7%, and 30.0% of the trained volunteer group leaders dropped out of the program in the year of 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. The retained trained volunteer group leaders were more likely to be females (84.7%), those in excellent health (75.2%) and with a bachelor's degree or above (87.6%). Less attention has been paid to frailty care (n = 76) than other volunteer caring activities (e.g., safe care: n = 277, diet care: n = 250, drug management care: n = 226). VRI (β = 0.118, p = 0.017), AHO (β = 0.134, p = 0.021), TCA (β = 0.459, p<0.001), and financial sustainability (β = 0.179, p<0.001) affected the SCVTP's performance significantly (adjusted R2 = 0.356). High rate of trained volunteer group leaders' dropout should be brought to the policymaker's attention. The characteristics of the retained trained volunteer group leaders provide a useful reference for the recruitment of trainees in the future. Frailty care may need more training by the volunteer service provider. In order to enhance program performance, a better team climate and atmosphere, financial sustainability, and volunteers with appropriate attitude and role identity are also necessary for the volunteer program.

Reasons for not participating in scleroderma patient support groups: a comparison of results from the North American and European scleroderma support group surveys

Purpose Many people with scleroderma rely on peer-led support groups as a coping resource. Reasons for not attending support groups in scleroderma have been investigated only in North American participants. This study assesses reasons for nonattendance in European countries and compares results with previously published North American findings. Materials and Methods The same 21-item survey as used in the North American sample assessed possible reasons for not attending scleroderma support groups. Proportions of items rated Important or Very Important were compared between samples. Results Consistent with the North American survey findings (N = 242), the two items most commonly rated as (Very) Important reasons for nonattendance among 228 European participants were (1) already having enough support (57%), and (2) not knowing of any local scleroderma support groups (58%). Compared to North American non-attenders, European patients were significantly more likely to rate not knowing enough about what happens at support groups (46% vs 19%), not having reliable ways to get to meetings (35% vs 17%), and being uncomfortable sharing experiences with a group (22% vs 11%) as (Very) Important reasons for nonattendance. Conclusions Improving access to European support groups, providing education about support groups and group leader training may encourage participation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Rehabilitation professionals might help develop local support groups for people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) to address the lack of access to these groups for many patients. The need for transportation and limited local accessibility may also be addressed by implementing online systemic sclerosis support groups. Professionals in the field of rehabilitation may work with people with systemic sclerosis and patient organizations to provide education about support groups to improve support group attendance in Europe.

Study of collective nutrition education sessions for diabetic type II patients

As with many chronic diseases, most French diabetes services for patients with type II diabetes now have a structured reception approach including collective educational sessions in the form of targeted workshops, thematic days, or even programs with several sessions. The aim of our study is to understand the interlocutory dynamics favorable to the adoption of new cognitions and attitudes during these sessions. We studied the verbal exchanges of nine collective nutrition education sessions (five focusing on knowledge input, and four implementing behavioral simulation). A total of 76 patients with type II diabetes (per group of six to 13 participants) and 12 group leaders (nurses, dieticians or nutritionists) contributed to this study, based on audio recording, and analysis of these sessions lasting two hours on average (with between 4345 and 8592 words per session). The nine corpora were the subject of two types of content analysis: lexical and dialogic, with the N'vivo 8 software. The results of this study suggest very precisely several ways to improve the content of the informational contributions of these educational sessions. The study of their process also makes it possible to distinguish between self-disclosure and social support in communication between participants. Finally, this study checks the effectiveness of the different types of framing of health messages in the discourse of the group leaders to facilitate the adhesion of the participants. In conclusion, it appears that the reaction spontaneously verbalized by the participants during the course of the educational situation, in these sessions, can be considered as an interesting indicator of their impact. The results may have implications for the development of nutritional education programs and group leader training.

Building resilience: a mental health intervention for Tanzanian youth living with HIV

ABSTRACTDespite a growing population of youth living with HIV, few interventions have been developed to address their unique mental health needs and to promote resilience. Based on our prior needs assessment, a mental health intervention, Sauti ya Vijana (The Voice of Youth), was developed to address identified mental health needs and promote resilience. The intervention emphasized resilience strategies for identifying and coping with stressful events, supporting strong familial and social relationships, and planning for a safe and healthy living environment through stigma reduction, planning for disclosure, and instilling hope for the future. Ten group sessions (two of which were joint youth/caregiver sessions) and two individual sessions were developed around these three resilience domains. Youth living with HIV (average age 17.4 years), who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and attending HIV adolescent clinic in Tanzania were randomized to intervention or treatment as usual. Trained group leaders led the intervention sessions. Near perfect program fidelity by the group leaders and unanimous acceptance of the intervention by the youth was documented. SYV successfully promoted youth resilience as measured by youth-reported utilization of new coping skills, improved peer and caregiver relationships, reduced stigma, and improved confidence to live positively according to their personal values.

Development and preliminary validation of the Scleroderma Support Group Leader Self-efficacy Scale.

Support groups are an important resource for people living with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Peer support group leaders play an important role in the success and sustainability of SSc support groups, but face challenges that include a lack of formal training. An SSc support group leader training program could improve leader self-efficacy to carry out important leadership tasks, including the management of group dynamics. However, no measures exist to assess self-efficacy among SSc support group leaders. The objective of this study was to develop and provide preliminary evidence on the reliability and validity of the Scleroderma Support Group Leader Self-efficacy Scale (SSGLSS). The SSGLSS was administered to two sets of SSc support group leaders from North America, Europe, and Australia. Study 1 participants (n = 102) completed the SSGLSS only. Study 2 participants (n = 55) completed the SSGLSS and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). For both studies, we evaluated internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Convergent validity was assessed in Study 2 using Pearson correlations of the SSGLSS with the OLBI exhaustion and disengagement subscales. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 in Study 1 and 0.95 in Study 2. Consistent with our hypotheses, there was a small negative correlation between SSGLSS scores and the OLBI exhaustion subscale (r = -0.25, p<0.01) and a moderate negative correlation between SSGLSS scores and the disengagement subscale (r = -0.38, p<0.01). These results suggest that the SSGLSS is a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy for carrying out support group leadership tasks.

Group Leader Self-Assessment (GLSA): Establishing Validity

Abstract Date Presented 4/17/2015 The results of this descriptive research support the current structure and viability of the Group Leader Self-Assessment (GLSA) as an outcome measure for group leader training in occupational therapy education.

Using Telehealth to Train Providers of a Cancer Support Intervention.

Group interventions are effective for addressing the transition from cancer treatment to survivorship but are not widely available outside of urban areas. In addition, minimal training is available for group facilitators outside of the mental healthcare discipline. Telehealth as a medium can facilitate conversation and interactive learning and make learning accessible to individuals in areas that lack resources for traditional classroom teaching. Little is known, however, regarding the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth training program for group leaders. This project aimed to investigate the utility of a telehealth training program for the delivery of a copyrighted, manualized psychosocial group intervention, Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment. Nine group leaders attended one in-person orientation, four telehealth training classes, and four telehealth supervision sessions, completing self-report measures of content knowledge, quality satisfaction, and self-confidence. Following the completion of their last Cancer Transitions facilitation, group leaders participated in a focus group to provide qualitative feedback regarding their experiences in training for and leading the respective groups in eight urban and rural North Carolina communities. Group leaders rated the training program highly across the domains of content knowledge, quality satisfaction, and self-confidence. Satisfaction with the technology itself was equivocal. Telehealth represents a feasible avenue for training and supporting leaders of psychosocial interventions. In addition, telehealth is particularly well suited to the need for training group leaders in areas outside urban centers or academic communities.

Celebrating the strengths of black youth: increasing self-esteem and implications for prevention.

The purpose of this study was to test the impact of a preventive intervention program, celebrating the strengths of black youth (CSBY), on African American children's self-esteem, racial identity, and parental racial socialization messages. CSBY consisted of 10 in-person group sessions in which small groups of middle school students met two trained group leaders. Parents were invited to attend three of the 10 group sessions. African American children between the ages of 7 and 10 were randomly assigned to either a treatment (TX; n = 33) or waitlist control (WLC; n = 40) group. Pre- and post-measures were completed to capture treatment effects. Analyses revealed that treatment group participants had higher levels of self-esteem post intervention than WLC group participants. In addition, treatment group parents were more likely to communicate egalitarian messages to their children post intervention than WLC parents. The advantages of a cultural heritage, strengths-based preventive intervention for African American youth and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Abstract MP33: The Deaf Weight Wise Study: A Unique Clinical Trial of Health Behavior Modification with Deaf Adults

Introduction: Deaf people who use American Sign Language (ASL) comprise linguistic and cultural minority populations without access to language-concordant health information and healthcare. Deaf ASL users are rarely included in health research or public health surveillance. Recent research with Deaf ASL users found a higher prevalence of obesity than in the general population. No randomized trials of lifestyle modification or weight reduction have ever been attempted with Deaf ASL users. Methods: We worked with the Rochester (NY) Deaf community to adapt a 16-week healthy lifestyle program previously shown to be effective with hearing people. We adapted the curriculum and research measures to be culturally and linguistically appropriate. We used a group intervention format recommended by our Deaf partners, and trained group leaders who were Deaf, ASL fluent and had backgrounds in counseling, public health, or healthcare. For this Deaf Weight Wise (DWW) trial, we recruited Deaf adults aged 40-70 with a BMI of 25-45 from community settings, and randomized participants to immediate intervention or intervention delayed 1 year. We will collect data from DWW trial participants over two years. We present analyses of data after 6 months here. Primary outcomes were changes in weight, BMI and scores on two standard measures: Dietary Risk Assessment (DRA) and Physical Activity Assessment (PAA). We used group by time repeated measures ANOVA to examine changes from baseline to 6 months for the immediate group and delayed group (no intervention yet). Hypothesis: The immediate intervention group would have greater reduction in weight and BMI as well as improvement in DRA and PAA scores six months after baseline compared with the delayed intervention group. Results: At baseline, the 104 participants’ mean age was 53.5 years; 68.3% (71 of 104) were female and 91.3% (95/104) were White. Randomization was successful based on baseline data. At 6 months, the immediate group weight changed -3.35kg (1.0 s.e.; p=.002) and BMI changed -1.35 (0.4 s.e.; p≤.0001) compared with the delayed group. Most of the immediate group (58.3%, 28/48) lost ≥ 5% of baseline weight versus 14.3% (8/56) of the delayed group (p≤.0001). Changes in mean DRA (p=.055) and moderate PAA (p=.054) scores numerically favored the immediate group. Conclusions: Deaf Weight Wise is the first randomized controlled trial of a healthy lifestyle program with Deaf ASL users. This culturally appropriate and language accessible behavioral intervention was feasible and highly effective with this underserved and rarely studied population.