Issues at the clinical-research interface: placebo effect control groups.
At the clinical-research interface, controls are a significant issue in group therapy evaluation. The authors describe and analyze their unique experience with placebo effect control groups conducted prior to brief, group psychotherapy for married couples. Procedures are outlined and participant reactions noted. Solicited ratings and spontaneous comments provide assessment data. The evidence suggests the feasibility of placebo effect control groups in the context studied. Proposed methodological refinements and clinical implications may be useful for future research efforts.
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