What is the dropout rate for premature termination from group therapy within the first 12-20 sessions?

The dropout rate for premature termination from group therapy within the first 12-20 sessions is commonly found to fall within the range of 10-35%. Research indicates that many individuals may become disengaged or discontinue participation due to factors such as discomfort in the group setting, lack of perceived progress, or conflicts with scheduling.

This range highlights the challenges associated with group therapy, where dynamics can influence individual commitment and participation. In the early phases of therapy, clients might be adjusting to group processes, and it is not unusual for a significant number to leave as they assess whether the therapy meets their needs. This drop in attendance is an important consideration for therapists, as it underscores the necessity of creating a supportive and engaging environment to improve retention rates early in the therapeutic process.

Other ranges for dropout rates, such as those exceeding 35%, may not accurately reflect the more commonly observed rates documented in clinical literature, particularly for the initial sessions of group therapy.