| Abstract: | This study was prompted by the clinical research of Lovett and Lovett (1991) and Yalom's theory of group therapy (Yalom, 1985). The investigators examined perceptions of therapeutic factors in groups, in relation to outcome measures. Twenty-one patients admitted consecutively to an Alcohol Problems clinic engaged in a three-week programme, led by an interdisciplinary treatment team, including occupational therapy-led groups, were interviewed using an ‘important events’ questionnaire in the second and third week. A modified version of Yalom's therapeutic factor questionnaire was used at the end of the programme and patients were also asked if they had additional comments. Outcome factors were assessed at three months after discharge from reports by key workers and self-report. Results indicated that patients most valued existential factors, self-understanding, cohesiveness and catharsis. Existential factors were not identified as helpful by the group who were unchanged and continued to drink. The implications for occupational therapy in the treatment of alcohol problems were discussed. |
