The soap opera: a dynamic group approach for psychiatric patients.

This article describes the use of television soap operas as a catalyst for group discussion in a psychiatric facility. Group objectives, membership criteria and format, as well as leadership styles and techniques are discussed. After analysis of the TV program and discussion themes, the authors determined that this group approach facilitates problem solving and patient interaction, while increasing self-awareness. In addition, this format eases the entry process of a new member into the group gy creating a nonthreatening atmosphere where patients are not pressured to relate to others immediately.