Therapeutic factors in occupational therapy groups.

A survey was administered to patients and their therapists in an attempt to assess which therapeutic factors were perceived as helpful in occupational therapy groups. The patients' responses were compared to their therapists' for similarities and differences. Both groups highly valued factors of group cohesiveness, instillation of hope, and interpersonal learning. The therapists also valued guidance and identification, which the patients did not. Least valued by the patients were guidance, existential factors, and identification; least valued by the therapists were self-understanding, family reenactment, and existential factors.