Evaluating Group Process in a Stress Management Intervention: Relationships Between Perceived Process and Cardiovascular Reactivity to Stress

Abstract

Objective: The authors evaluated relationships among group process and treatment outcomes in a stress management intervention. Method: A group-based stress management intervention was provided to a sample of self-referred adults. After each therapy session, group members completed a process measure. Before and after the intervention, group members underwent a psychophysiological assessment of negative moods, daily stress, physical symptoms, and cardiovascular reactivity to stress. Results: Group process was comprised of three dimensions: positive process, satisfaction, and negative process. Ratings of positive process and satisfaction significantly increased across sessions. In addition, satisfaction ratings were inversely correlated with cardiovascular reactivity, whereas negative process ratings were positively correlated with cardiovascular reactivity. Conclusion: The finding of increasing positive process and satisfaction may be related to the structure of the intervention, which allowed for more frequent and diverse interaction during later sessions. Correlations between negative process and cardiovascular reactivity may reflect the influence of hostile traits.