Predicting Change in Life Satisfaction as a Function of Group Counseling

Abstract
Clients' characteristics associated with outcome of group counseling were identified in a sample of physically disabled persons using standardized self-report inventories. 60 subjects were tested before and after an 8-wk. treatment interval for signs of emotional disorder, inactivity, and social problems related to being severely disabled. Treatment consisted of group conference phone calls using self-determined task assignments as a focus for discussion. Loneliness accounted for 68% of the variance in post-treatment life-satisfaction scores. Signs of depression and available social support were also significant predictors. Remarkably lonely persons showed significant decreases in signs of loneliness after treatment. Using regression analysis, persons with adjustment problems could be identified and prognosis for treatment predicted with acceptable reliability.