Group climate in online group cognitive behaviour therapy predicts treatment outcomes

Objectives: Although group processes impact significantly on face-to-face group therapy outcomes, it is unclear whether online cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) group processes mimic face-to-face group processes, and whether these processes predict positive therapeutic change. This study explores the development of group climate in an online group therapy format and investigates the relationship between group climate dimensions and therapeutic outcomes. Method: Participants were 24 individuals with a depressive disorder who participated in an online group CBT intervention. The development of group climate and their relationship to treatment outcomes post-group and at six-month follow-up were examined. Results: Findings showed that online group processes developed in a similar manner to those observed in successful face-to-face group CBT interventions and that group climate variables in the online setting played an important role in predicting therapeutic outcomes. Conclusions: Our results underscore the importance of a positive working atmosphere and low levels of interpersonal conflict among participants in online group CBT, given their associations with treatment outcomes. KEY POINTSWhat is already known about this topic: (1) Group climate is the extent to which a therapy group has a positive working atmosphere, where conflicts are handled constructively, and individuals take responsibility for their own change. (2) Group climate is a predictor of positive outcomes in face-to-face groups. (3) Although online group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an efficient, and effective treatment for depression, there is very little research examining group climate in online group CBT and its association with treatment outcomes. What this study adds: (1) Group climate in online group CBT develops in a similar pattern as face-to-face group CBT. (2) A positive working atmosphere and lower levels of perceived conflict at the latter stages of the online group predicted positive outcomes at the end of treatment. (3) A positive working atmosphere, lower levels of conflict, and lower avoidance of personal responsibility for change at the end of treatment predicted positive outcomes at the six-month follow-up.