RESEARCHER AND CLINICIAN - ROLE-CONFLICT AND RESOLUTION

Group therapy investigations are often conducted by researchers rather than by experienced clinicians who also possess research expertise. G iven the fact that doctorally prepared clinicians must demonstrate res earch competence in their education programs, it is surprising that th ere is not more research on group therapy. The literature indicates th at research and group psychotherapy practice are considered quite sepa rate entities. However, there is much that both processes have in comm on. The principal investigator's experience during a group psychothera py research project suggested that the conflict between the roles of r esearcher and clinician may not be due to differences in the external processes but rather to difficulties in trying to combine them within one person. The value of the researcher-clinician is elaborated, and r ecommendations are offered.