Peer Confrontation Groups: What, Why, and Whether

The authors describe a program using the principles and methods of peer confrontation groups—treatment settings for addicts, alcoholics, ex-convicts, etc., in which nontraditional control by the participants is used to try to bring about radical changes in the values and life-style of the members. Their program appears to counteract and contain the severe authority conflicts, dependency, underlying hostility, and profound narcissism associated with certain patients who have character disorders. A preliminary follow-up indicated that about half of those who entered the program had benefited significantly.