An analysis of the effects of gender on outcome in group treatment with young adolescents

This study investigated the ways in which the gender of group leader and client might affect treatment outcome with young adolescents. Seventh- and eighth-grade students were involved in programs for enhancing social competence. Mixed-sex groups of adolescents received treatment from either male or female group leaders. Results revealed gender differences between the male and female adolescents on the outcome measures, no difference on outcome due to leader gender, and one interaction effect on a measure of social skills between adolescent gender and group leader gender. Acquisition of social skills, which takes place through modeling and observation, may be influenced by matched gender between leaders and adolescents; however, other competencies and abilities do not appear sensitive to leader and adolescent gender.