Keil

Correlation of Conflict Styles and Perceived Therapeutic Effectiveness in Adult Group Therapy Participants

Andrienne E. Keil

Abstract

The present study examines the relationship between adult group therapy participants' conflict styles and their perceptions of group therapy effectiveness using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Modes Instrument and aLikert scale questionnaire created by the principal investigator to quantify participant perceptions. It was hypothesized that those with cooperative conflict styles (collaborative and accommodating) would score higheron overall effectiveness than those with uncooperative styles and those who are not willingly participants in group therapy (required by law or work). It was also hypothesized that unassertive conflict styles (avoidingand accommodating) would score lower in the areas of behavioral, mood, and relational change while assertive types (competing and collaborative) would score higher in areas of behavioral, mood, and relationalchange. In addition, assertive conflict styles would be more likely to score high on items relating to confrontation than unassertive styles. The results showed no significant data to support the hypotheses. However,there were significant findings concerning the use and development of the Perceptions of Effectiveness of Therapy Measure and implications for future research in the area of conflict management in therapy.

Keywords: conflict styles, conflict modes, Thomas-Kilmann, group therapy, effectiveness, counseling outcomes.