Contemporary trends in group psychotherapy: a literature survey

Abstract

Group psychotherapy in the 1980s is a dynamic discipline characterized by increasingly refined techniques, expanded applicability, and greater rigor in evaluating outcome. The author provides a brief history of group therapy during the past three decades and then surveys the current literature in the field to link some past trends with recent developments. He concentrates on group therapy for borderline and narcissistic patients, physically ill patients, geriatric patients, chronic psychiatric patients, and patients with sexual and marital problems. Recent innovations in facilitating entry into groups, reducing dropouts, and ensuring meaningful group experiences are also discussed.