This article examines the psychometric strengths and limitations of a widely used measure of ethnic identity development: the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM). A review of 12 studies incor...

The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM): Psychometric Review and Further Validity Testing

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Mail survey research in counseling psychology: Current practice and suggested guidelines.

This article reviews process and outcome measures related to groups to encourage practitioners to evaluate their group work, aid researchers in identifying reliable and valid measures, and foster collaboration between research and practice.

Measuring the effectiveness of group work: A review and analysis of process and outcome measures

Group Development in Practice: Guidance for Clinicians and Researchers on Stages and Dynamics of Change

BACKGROUND Early detection and treatment have resulted in more women surviving breast cancer; increased survivorship has also increased the need for breast cancer support groups (BCSG). The ostensible goal of such groups is to provide support for the physical and emotional stressors that cancer survivors face, as well as provide information on coping and treatment options. OBJECTIVE Although scholars have examined the effects of support groups on their group members, the examination of group facilitator messages has been largely neglected. The goal of this study was to extend theory on group leader behavior, specifically investigating how member-leader messages create social support in support groups. METHODS The transcribed conversations of weekly meetings of a BCSG were examined using Interaction Process Analysis to discover how the member-leader facilitated the group's enactment and management of social support. RESULTS Across the meetings, task talk dominated (primarily statements of orientation or information). Furthermore, analysis of interaction sequences between the support group facilitator and other members revealed 2 broad categories of task-oriented facilitation techniques (changing the focus, clarification) and 1 category of socioemotional facilitation techniques (showing support). CONCLUSIONS Support group facilitators need the ability to facilitate both task and relational aspects of social support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Facilitator behaviors were highlighted as being instrumental to the creation of social support. The results from this study indicate that the ability to change the focus of interaction, to provide and require clarification on complex issues, and to show support through relational messages is needed in facilitator training.

Judith A. Roth

Papers

Dimensions of Leadership and Leadership Style among Group Intervention Specialists.