No abstract

The aim of this single-case-design study was to examine the relationships between therapeutic factors in group therapy and the language features of the group dialogue. Forty-two transcripts from a group treatment were investigated. Emotion-abstraction patterns (EAPs) were identified for the group as a whole using computer-assisted text analysis, and therapeutic factors were rated by external judges using the Kiel Group Psychotherapy Process Scale. Significant positive relationships were found between insight and the EAP connecting and between catharsis and the EAP experiencing. Interpersonal learning-output, catharsis, and self-disclosure showed higher scores in connection with the therapeutic cycle, which, according to the therapeutic cycle model, represents a sequence of EAP related to a successful therapeutic process. The current findings show that the use of EAPs allows the identification of key moments in a group therapy process.

The proposed hypothesis was not sustained on this measure of self-regulation. With regard to self-regulation and self-control, violent and non-violent offenders were similar and treatment interventions to improve capacity in these respects are probably useful for both groups.

ZusammenfassungAnhand eines systematischen Literaturreviews nach den PRISMA-Kriterien wurden therapeutische Wirkfaktoren für die Behandlung von Straftätern untersucht. Recherchiert wurde in den Datenbanken PsycINFO und PSYNDEX, weitere relevante Studien wurden den Literaturverzeichnissen von Studien, die die Selektionskriterien erfüllten, entnommen. Es wurden nur quantitative empirische Studien für den Zeitraum 1990–2018 eingeschlossen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Befunde aus 19 Papers zu allgemeinen Wirkfaktoren (therapeutische Allianz, soziales Klima, Feedback) und Therapeutenfaktoren (zwischenmenschliche Fähigkeiten/Eigenschaften, Persönlichkeit, Therapieerwartung) referiert. Die Evidenz für das Vorliegen allgemeiner Wirk- und Therapeutenfaktoren ist nicht einheitlich, aber es zeigen sich Tendenzen. Diese Schwierigkeit der Evidenzbestimmung liegt insbesondere an methodischen Mängeln der Primärstudien, an heterogenen Outcomevariablen und an der geringen Zahl von Studien, die diese Faktoren untersuchten. Ein bedeutender Zusammenhang zwischen allgemeinen Wirk- und Therapeutenfaktoren und einem (positiven) Therapieergebnis in der Therapie von Straftätern ist wahrscheinlich, aber noch liegen zu wenige kontrollierte Studien vor, um ihn zweifelsfrei zu untermauern.

On the basis of personality systems interaction (PSI) theory, the authors examine self-regulation, conflict behaviour, behavioural resources, and personality disorders in a sample of 83 male offenders and explore the role self-regulatory variables play with respect to aggressive behaviour. Although substantial correlations between self-regulatory functions and aggressive behaviour were found, these variables did not predict aggression in a subsequent regression analysis with measures of self-regulation, conflict behaviour, and personality disorders as independent variables. Antisocial behaviour, behavioural self-control, and affect were among the strongest predictors of aggression. Specific predictions based on PSI theory could not be confirmed. Theoretical implications of the findings are discussed and put into relation with treatment issues of offenders.