Acceptability and Feasibility of an Intervention to Enhance Social Group Belonging: Evidence From Three Trials of Groups 4 Health

• Published in: Behavior therapy 2022-11, Vol.53 (6), p.1233-1249
• Main Authors: Cruwys, Tegan, Haslam, Catherine, Haslam, S.Alexander, Rathbone, Joanne A., Donaldson, Jessica L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: consumer perspectives; group psychotherapy; loneliness; mental health; social identity
• ISSN: 0005-7894; 1878-1888
• DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.06.011

•Groups 4 Health has evidence of efficacy from three clinical trials.•It is important to consider client and therapist perspectives on novel therapies.•Two hundred sixty-six clients and 68 therapists provided quantitative and qualitative feedback.•Client and therapist satisfaction, homework completion, and retention were all high.•Health and social benefits were attributed directly to the therapy group context. Groups 4 Health (G4H) is a group psychotherapy program that targets social group disconnection. An emerging evidence base supports its efficacy in reducing loneliness, depression, and social anxiety. However, to date there has been no formal analysis of its acceptability to clients and therapists, nor an investigation of its feasibility for wider implementation. This input from end users is crucial to ensure the program’s wider suitability and to contribute to its improvement. This study drew data from three clinical trials, including 266 G4H clients and 68 G4H therapists. From the Phase III trial only, additional data were available from 90 clients in a dose-controlled cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) comparison group, and focus groups/interviews with 6 therapists and 13 clients. Client satisfaction was high, with all average ratings >7/10, significantly exceeding the CBT comparison group. Therapist satisfaction with each module was >5/7. Retention was >80%. Homework completion was high, with