The development and psychometric investigation of the Perceived Support Network Inventory (PSNI), a measure of perceived social support, is described. A group of 146 introductory psychology students participated in a test-retest study design that collected reliability, internal consistency, and construct, convergent, and discriminant validity data on the scale. In addition, a contrast group of 28 Counseling Center clients was administered the PSNI. Test-retest reliability of the PSNI total score and subscale scores ranged from .72 to .88. Internal consistency for the PSNI was .77. Construct validity estimates ranged from .21 to .57. Convergent validity estimates varied from -.25 to .20. Discriminant validity estimates varied from -.11 to .19. Sample differences between introductory psychology student mean PSNI total and subscale scores and Counseling Center client mean PSNI total and subscale scores proved significant. Recommendations for subsequent research and future application are offered.

His research and training interests include time-limited individual and group psychotherapy. JAY A. BKIIRMAN. MS. is a research associate at the Comprehensive Clinic. Brigham Young University, where he serves as a research design and statistical consultant. He also teaches statistics and mathematics at University ofUtah. His research interests include remedial and preventative educational and psychological intervention.

The degree to which treatment outcome is related to therapeutic focusing, leader skill, and positive aspects of the therapeutic relationship was examined in time-limited group psychotherapy. Measures tapping each of these domains were assessed at Sessions 3,8, and 14 in 15-week therapy groups led by 4 expert professional group therapists and 4 "natural-helper" nonprofessionals. Significant differences were found on process measures for both the leader skill condition and time factors. In addition, both the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the degree of therapeutic focusing independently predicted client improvement. Specifically, the results indicate mat therapist focusing occurs differentially and is only predictive of improvement in professional groups, whereas a positive therapeutic relationship is only predictive of early positive improvement in nonprofessional groups.

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