In-group versus out-group: an investigation of the potential for gendered racial subgrouping on group therapy attendance and treatment completion

This study examined the impact of cultural subgrouping vis-à-vis identity-based faultlines based on member gender and REM status on group members’ attendance rates and treatment completion. Data for this study consisted of 358 clients of 61 interpersonal process therapy groups. Results indicated a significant and negative relationship between gendered racial faultlines and member attendance rates, such that members of groups with a higher likelihood to subgroup based on member race and gender attended less group therapy sessions. Regarding treatment completion, group member race and gender significantly moderated the relationship between gendered racial faultlines and treatment completion, such that the impact of gendered racial faultlines on the odds of a group member completing treatment was stronger for women compared to men, and REM members compared to White members. As we know, member attendance is an important factor for clients to benefit from treatment groups. It also has an impact on group therapy process and outcomes. Future studies would benefit from identifying what specific processes influence attendance, identity-based subgrouping, and dropout rates not only to deepen our understanding of its impact on therapeutic process and outcomes but to enhance the experiences of group members who participate in interpersonal process groups. Additionally, therapists and group leaders should seek additional training in order to develop a multicultural orientation framework, intervene, establish cultural explorations, and implement routine outcome monitoring.