Time-limited group counseling for chronic home hemodialysis patients

Compared the effects of 6 sessions of group counseling of 9 chronic home hemodialysis patients with a comparable no-treatment control group of 9 patients. Scores on Rotter's Internal-External Control Scale and selected California Personality Inventory scales revealed no significant differences between groups. However, observed changes were noted within the experimental group from pre- to posttesting on 2 of the measures. Subsequent testing 1 yr later of 11 of the Ss suggested that hemodialysis patients use the defensive mechanism of denial in adapting to their condition.