Summary Of Outcome-Based Evaluation Of Group Therapy
Summary
The article, Outcome-based evaluation of a social skills program using art therapy and group therapy for children on the autism spectrum (Epp, 2008), is narrative of a study that examined the efficacy of a program for adolescents and teens – ages 11 through 18. This program utilized art therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques in group therapy to expand the social skills of students on the autism spectrum (Epp, 2008). Carey and Martin wrote, “Outcome research is intended to test whether a specific practice, intervention, or program reliably results in important benefits for our clients” (p66). I chose this study for its relevance to my research topic of group therapy for talented and gifted youth and in consideration of the association …show more content…
The group therapy model consisted of groups with approximately six children of comparable age and ability who met for an hour, once a week during the school year (Epp, 2008). A combination of cognitive-behavioral strategies and art exercises fractionally addressed the identification of non-verbal cues, situational awareness and the perception of others (Epp, 2008). The study consisted of three phases: identification, pretest questioning and posttest …show more content…
Section G.2.a., of the American Counseling Association code of ethics (ACA, 2015) sets forth among other conditions, in seeking consent, counselors use language that accurately explains the purpose and procedures to be followed (p16).
Strength and Limitations
The socioeconomic range and homogeneity of the sample families limited the generalizability of the study. The lack of a second control group removed the opportunity to adjust for age-related behavior improvement (Epp, 2008). The small sample size excluded the focus on variations in factors such as parenting styles and range of diagnoses (Epp, 2008). The questionnaires provided statistical evidence of an improvement of social skills and a decrease in problem behaviors (Epp, 2008).
Implications for practice and future research
The researcher noted that future research should record age and the onset of treatment (Epp, 2008). Additionally, a larger sample size and greater socioeconomic and ethnic variety of the sample would increase applicability and reliability of results (Epp, 2008). Lastly, group and technique variation could differentiate the effectiveness of group and art therapy over other interventions (Epp,
The article, Outcome-based evaluation of a social skills program using art therapy and group therapy for children on the autism spectrum (Epp, 2008), is narrative of a study that examined the efficacy of a program for adolescents and teens – ages 11 through 18. This program utilized art therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques in group therapy to expand the social skills of students on the autism spectrum (Epp, 2008). Carey and Martin wrote, “Outcome research is intended to test whether a specific practice, intervention, or program reliably results in important benefits for our clients” (p66). I chose this study for its relevance to my research topic of group therapy for talented and gifted youth and in consideration of the association …show more content…
The group therapy model consisted of groups with approximately six children of comparable age and ability who met for an hour, once a week during the school year (Epp, 2008). A combination of cognitive-behavioral strategies and art exercises fractionally addressed the identification of non-verbal cues, situational awareness and the perception of others (Epp, 2008). The study consisted of three phases: identification, pretest questioning and posttest …show more content…
Section G.2.a., of the American Counseling Association code of ethics (ACA, 2015) sets forth among other conditions, in seeking consent, counselors use language that accurately explains the purpose and procedures to be followed (p16).
Strength and Limitations
The socioeconomic range and homogeneity of the sample families limited the generalizability of the study. The lack of a second control group removed the opportunity to adjust for age-related behavior improvement (Epp, 2008). The small sample size excluded the focus on variations in factors such as parenting styles and range of diagnoses (Epp, 2008). The questionnaires provided statistical evidence of an improvement of social skills and a decrease in problem behaviors (Epp, 2008).
Implications for practice and future research
The researcher noted that future research should record age and the onset of treatment (Epp, 2008). Additionally, a larger sample size and greater socioeconomic and ethnic variety of the sample would increase applicability and reliability of results (Epp, 2008). Lastly, group and technique variation could differentiate the effectiveness of group and art therapy over other interventions (Epp,