Patient attrition in dynamically oriented treatment groups.

Abstract

Clinical and empirical studies of premature terminators from dynamically oriented therapy groups are reviewed. While many studies focus on the personality characteristics of dropouts, the authors recommend conceptualizing such patients in terms of the interaction of patient, group, and therapist. On the basis of this model, the authors offer clinical recommendations for reducing the number of dropouts. Multivariate experimental designs for studying attrition in group psychotherapy are discussed, and the authors suggest possible directions for future research.