Therapeutic Climate of Sexual Offender Treatment Programs

TLDR

The Group Environment Scale assessed relationships, personal growth, and structural aspects of group processes. The study administered the Group Environment Scale to members and leaders of 12 sexual offender treatment groups, including 8 probation and 4 residential programs. Results indicated that a cohesive, well‑organized, supportive group climate—characterized by open expression, shared responsibility, and hope—promotes treatment change, while overcontrolling leadership hinders it, suggesting the GES is a valuable outcome measure.

Abstract

A measure of group atmosphere, the Group Environment Scale (GES), was administered to members and leaders of 12 sexual offender treatment groups: 8 were probation programs; 4 were conducted at a long-term residential center. The GES measured the following aspects of group processes: relationships within the group, personal growth of members, and structure of the group. Results suggested that the atmosphere of a group had an important influence on treatment change. A successful group was highly cohesive, was well organized and led, encouraged the open expression of feelings, produced a sense of group responsibility, and instilled a sense of hope in its members. A helpful and supportive leadership style was found to be important in creating an atmosphere in which effective therapy could take place. Overcontrolling leaders were seen to have a detrimental effect upon group climate. It is suggested that the employment of a group process measure, such as the GES, would be a useful inclusion to any outcome evaluation of treatment programs.