Evaluating group work with the chronic mentally ill.

An attitudinal survey was completed by 29 patients (mostly chronic schizophrenics) in order to measure the preference and rank of 21 activity groups comprising the weekly schedule of a partial-hospitalization day program. Using a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, each group's popularity is scored by patients and by staff. Patient variables of age, sex, education, and residential status are discussed in relation to each group's popularity. The paper interprets the reason and dynamics of each group's preferential score and rank. Program evaluation is achieved from analysis of patient and staff response. Guidelines are offered for changing group activity schedules.