Changes in coping behaviours caused by training program in group psychotherapy

Abstract

Examined the changes in coping strategies brought about by an educational-experiential block training program in group psychotherapy based on group-analytic principles. 48 trainees at University of Geneva Medical School responded to a comprehensive, theoretically-based inventory of 21 coping strategies at the beginning and the end of the program. Results show an increase (1) in the number of strategies used, (2) in the strategies rumination and meditation/relaxation, and (3) in the general orientation toward the problem in terms of focusing on its causes and actual state and in the general orientation away from the problem in terms of focusing on solutions and consequences. These increases were found in the cognition- and emotion-oriented, but not in self- and other-oriented coping. The possible mechanisms of change are discussed.