Table 1.

Summary of Affiliative Statement Categories

Statement Category	Description	Examples
1. Shared Experience	Statements that demonstrate that the participant can relate to the other member through a similar experience, thought, feeling, etc. by referencing the self.	“I also get anxious when I have too much time on my hands.” “I do that too.” “That’s exactly how I feel.” “I can relate to that.”
2. Agreement	Must follow or be connected to a statement made by another group member, and expresses an agreement with what another group member is saying.	“That’s true, it isn’t easy.” “You’re right.” “Exactly.” “That must be hard.”
3. Therapeutic	Statements or questions that are aimed at gathering more information about someone’s recovery or are an attempt to help another group member gain insight.	“How do you plan to stay sober when you go away on vacation?” “One day at a time.” “Does your family understand the disease?” “Do you feel guilty?”
4. Strategy	Must provide advice or guidance concerning the issue presented by the other group member. This may involve sharing of strategies that a group member found helpful under similar circumstances, or providing a new way of approaching/thinking about a situation.	“You can try taking your walks somewhere else.” “You know what I do, speaking of that, I leave the situation.” “Just remember to say, this too shall pass.”
5. Engaging question	Questions asked of another participant that demonstrate interest in the other participant and social connectedness responsive to an active discussion.	“Where are you going on vacation?” “Who is going to be at the dinner?”
6. Supportive	Provide encouragement or positive feedback to a group member or the group as a whole.	“That’s great, congratulations!” “That’s a good strategy.” “That’s huge.” “Good for you!”
7. Completing another member’s thought	An interruption which completes another person’s thought/sentence. Typically demonstrates that the group member is on the same page as the other group member and is following along with what he/she is saying.	Participant A:“ I’m getting old, my body…” Participant B:“… doesn’t tolerate it anymore.”
8. Positive statements regarding the group	Must reference the group as a whole, rather than individual members or a subset of members. Must be related to the information presented, the group process, or the group support.	“This group is very safe and I can say anything.” “I’ve found this group very helpful.” “This program is very encouraging.” “I missed you guys last week.”