In-patients' views of the helpful aspects of group psychotherapy: impact of therapeutic style and treatment setting.

Selected in-patients admitted to an acute psychiatric unit over a seven-month period were offered group psychotherapy which incorporated an interactional focus. At discharge group members were offered out-patient group therapy. Patients' perceptions of therapy were examined by means of a 'helpful event' questionnaire. The study supports previous findings but it is suggested that the interactional focus boosted the value ascribed by patients to vicarious learning. Psychological exploration became of more major importance in out-patient therapy.