| Qualitative and quantitative analysis of changes in three measured variables were conducted with participants in a psychodynamically oriented group therapy process. Chaos theory was used as a metaphor to demonstrate the non-linear dynamics of change during the psychotherapeutic process.;Twelve subjects, identified as adult children of dysfunctional families, were followed over 24 sessions of a psychodynamically oriented group therapy with three variables--depression, anxiety, and overall sense of well-being--rated for degree of impairment. A content analysis of group session participation was also completed. Movement of the three variables showed aperiodic-chaotic process with a downward trend in severity. The content analysis of sessions demonstrated aperiodic, but not chaotic, movement across the 24 sessions, showing negative to positive trends in patterning of content of the three variables measured. In spite of the apparently chaotic, random nature of the movement of the three variables rated, there is an undercurrent of movement from negative to positive in content. |
