Scapegoating in Group Dynamics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary consequence of scapegoating a group member?

Increased group cohesion

Reduction of anxiety in the group

The scapegoated member may be sacrificed (correct)

Creation of a utopia

What role should a group leader take when dealing with a scapegoat?

Isolate the member to avoid conflict

Promote the leader’s authority over the group

Humanize the scapegoat and connect them with others (correct)

Encourage the group to ignore the scapegoat

What is a misconception about achieving cohesion in a group?

Exclusion of a scapegoat will strengthen the group (correct)

Scapegoating reinforces group identity

Cohesion can be built through shared experiences

Healthy discussions enhance group dynamics

Why might group members feel guilt after attacking a scapegoat?

They come to realize their own similar defects Signup and view all the answers

What should group members be encouraged to do after an attack on the scapegoat?

Reflect on the attack and reclaim their projected feelings Signup and view all the answers

What emotional aspects might be projected onto a scapegoat?

Envy and shame Signup and view all the answers

What was the dropout rate for the longer-term groups in the study?

33 percent Signup and view all the answers

What should a leader create to help the scapegoated member?

A functional subgroup that connects other members Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the lower dropout rate in the briefer groups?

More manageable commitment Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reaction of a group after scapegoating someone?

The risk of future scapegoating behavior Signup and view all the answers

During which phase did near-perfect attendance occur in the second study mentioned?

Between the twentieth and forty-fifth meetings Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable characteristic of membership turnover in the second study?

Settling in after initial meetings Signup and view all the answers

What caused the higher attrition in later phases in one of the studies?

Growing group intimacy Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern expressed by one client in the initial session?

Enhancing intellectual engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary tasks confronting members of a newly formed group?

Understanding the group's purpose and managing social relationships. Signup and view all the answers

In therapy groups, how are the primary and social tasks characterized?

They are often confluent and interrelated. Signup and view all the answers

What elements do group members ideally seek to forge during therapy sessions?

Roles that offer comfort and safety. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of groups may have well-differentiated primary and social tasks?

Athletic teams and classrooms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that complicates group experiences for socially challenged individuals?

Confluence of the tasks at hand. Signup and view all the answers

What does participation in group therapy ideally provide to its members?

Opportunities for personal gratification. Signup and view all the answers

How might group members explore their feelings about group therapy?

Through group discussions and feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to clients' initial belief in the therapist's role as a healer?

The professional identity and setting provided by the therapist Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a reason for initial dependency in therapy clients?

The client's independent thinking Signup and view all the answers

How do clients commonly initially interact in a group therapy setting?

Rationally, suppressing their irrational concerns Signup and view all the answers

What might therapists feel as a result of clients idealizing them?

Narcissistic stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common topic during the initial discussions of group therapy sessions?

Topics of little substantive interest Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes clients' feelings towards therapists according to the content?

They seek a figure resembling an omniscient parent or rescuer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of group etiquette on clients during initial therapy sessions?

It leads to suppression of irrational aspects of their concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component that reinforces clients' expectations of therapists in a therapeutic setting?

The fee charged for services Signup and view all the answers

What term did David Hamburg suggest to refer to the process of returning to the same issues from a different perspective in therapy?

Cyclotherapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common force that opposes group development?

Desire for connection Signup and view all the answers

What can therapy groups occasionally revisit after a period of engagement and conflict?

Same topics from a different perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for a group leader to promote group development?

Identifying antigroup forces Signup and view all the answers

What impact do human interactions have on the therapy group according to the developmental sequence described?

They complicate treatment yet add excitement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is likely to be a topic of focus in therapy groups?

Relationship between co-therapists Signup and view all the answers

What phrase best summarizes the influence of societal factors on individuals joining therapy groups?

Societal resistance can create fears and hesitations. Signup and view all the answers

How does group development typically progress according to the information provided?

Through cycles of engagement involving conflict and resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor that contributes to lower dropout rates in groups?

Closed, time-limited structure Signup and view all the answers

What is an ideal starting size for a closed, time-limited therapy group to minimize attrition?

Nine or ten members Signup and view all the answers

What does irregular attendance typically indicate in a therapy group?

Resistance to therapy Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the starting size of a therapy group is too large?

Marginalization of some members Signup and view all the answers

What impact does prior or concurrent individual therapy have on group dropouts?

Reduces dropout risk Signup and view all the answers

What should a therapist do if several members of the group are frequently late or absent?

Search for the source of group resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common excuse given by clients for irregular attendance?

Desire for more individual therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapist's initial stance towards regular attendance and punctuality?

Encouraging and supportive Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Group Therapy

Group therapy outcome is largely based on the therapist's pre-therapy work (selection, composition, and preparation)
Stages of group development (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning) are important considerations
Online group therapy considerations are discussed in Chapter 14

Stages of Development

Each therapy group has a unique development, influenced by individual interactions
Members develop interpersonal styles and experiment with new behaviors within the group
Early group focus on member engagement and affiliation, progressing towards control, power, and individual differentiation. Intimacy and cohesion follow
Development is often cyclical, building on prior stages, with early failures influencing later development
Membership turnover and new members can affect group integrity, potentially leading to regression

The First Meeting

Initial group sessions are often anticipated with client anxiety
Therapists can ease anxiety by establishing contact before sessions; using welcoming, clear procedures for entry.
First meetings often involve members introducing themselves, which is often followed by a period of silence
The initial silence can be broken by a dominant individual who sets the tone for self-disclosure and subsequent group discussions
The therapist should guide the discussions and acknowledge members worries about the group
The first meeting is a crucial stage for setting norms within the group

Group Dynamics and Client issues

Group members bring various issues and experiences, demanding support and responsiveness by the therapists
Clients often seek advice and guidance
The therapist must attend to group process and manage conflict.
Clients' anxieties and desires about their roles in the group are expressed
Therapists need to be aware of the power dynamics within the group and how members might seek approval or dominance

Group Cohesion

Initial group phases focus on establishing a sense of belonging, trust, and cohesiveness among group members
Cohesiveness is crucial for group success
Conflict and tension can emerge as group develops, leading to a deeper understanding among members. Group confrontation is often part of this process

Membership Problems

Dropouts are a common issue in therapy groups.
Client and group factors can influence the dropout and the treatment environment or procedures
Therapists must be aware of factors leading to client issues so that they can address them effectively.
Regular attendance and punctuality are important and can be used as a factor in ensuring a consistent group experience
Group dynamics heavily influenced by client concerns and issues

Therapeutic Guidelines

Therapist needs to tailor their approach to the group needs to achieve optimal outcomes
The timing of interventions can change based on the group phase and client characteristics
It is critical for the therapist to address the various stages that a group goes through to allow the clients to adjust to the group
Therapists need to be vigilant and recognize when adding new members interferes or negatively affects the group

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Description

This quiz explores the psychological consequences of scapegoating within group settings. It addresses the roles of leaders, misconceptions about group cohesion, and emotional projections involved in scapegoating. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering a healthier group environment.