Group process expectations and outcome with post-myocardial infarction patients.

Abstract Post-myocardial infarction patients participating in a 12-session group therapy program completed self-rating measures ranking group process variables before and after therapy. Learning positive qualities, experimenting with new behavior, receiving advice and guidance, and gaining cognitive insight by learning how their lifestyle plays a role in the development and management of their coronary condition were most valued. Interpersonal learning, catharsis, and testing group acceptance by revealing embarrassing things about oneself were ranked lowest. These results are examined in the context of previous descriptions of coronary patients' behavior in therapy.