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?

<p>They come to realize their own similar defects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Reflect on the attack and reclaim their projected feelings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional aspects might be projected onto a scapegoat?

<p>Envy and shame (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>33 percent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a leader create to help the scapegoated member?

<p>A functional subgroup that connects other members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>More manageable commitment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The risk of future scapegoating behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Between the twentieth and forty-fifth meetings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Settling in after initial meetings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Growing group intimacy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Enhancing intellectual engagement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Understanding the group's purpose and managing social relationships. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They are often confluent and interrelated. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Roles that offer comfort and safety. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Athletic teams and classrooms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Confluence of the tasks at hand. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Opportunities for personal gratification. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might group members explore their feelings about group therapy?

<p>Through group discussions and feedback. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The professional identity and setting provided by the therapist (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The client's independent thinking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Rationally, suppressing their irrational concerns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Narcissistic stimulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Topics of little substantive interest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They seek a figure resembling an omniscient parent or rescuer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It leads to suppression of irrational aspects of their concerns. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The fee charged for services (A)</p> 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?

<p>Cyclotherapy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Desire for connection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Same topics from a different perspective (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Identifying antigroup forces (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They complicate treatment yet add excitement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Relationship between co-therapists (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Societal resistance can create fears and hesitations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Through cycles of engagement involving conflict and resolution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Closed, time-limited structure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Nine or ten members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does irregular attendance typically indicate in a therapy group?

<p>Resistance to therapy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Marginalization of some members (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Reduces dropout risk (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Search for the source of group resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Desire for more individual therapy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Encouraging and supportive (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Initial Stage in Group Therapy

In group therapy, the initial stage where members try to understand the group's purpose and their role within it.

Primary Task in Group Therapy

The main reason why individuals join a group therapy session. It could be to address specific issues or achieve personal growth.

Social Relationships in Group Therapy

Building relationships and finding a comfortable place within the group dynamics.

Roles in Group Therapy

The roles individuals take on within a group to feel comfortable and safe. It's a combination of the comfort of belonging and the opportunity to achieve their goals.

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Differentiated Tasks in Group Therapy

In many groups, the primary task and social relationships are clear and separate. For example, in a sports team, the goal is to win, and social interaction happens alongside that.

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Confluent Tasks in Group Therapy

In therapy groups, the primary task and social aspects are interconnected and complex. This is because people with social challenges are trying to understand both the therapy itself and their place within the group.

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Hesitancy in Group Therapy

The early stages of group therapy are often marked by uncertainty and anxiety.

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Search for Meaning in Group Therapy

Group members are looking for meaning and understanding in the group experience, trying to grasp what it's about.

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Dropout Rate in Brief Therapy

Shorter therapy groups with fewer sessions have a significantly lower dropout rate compared to longer groups. This may be because clients are less intimidated by a shorter commitment.

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Active Leadership in Brief Therapy

The intensity of brief therapy groups requires leaders to be more attentive to the time constraint and to foster a sense of unity amongst members rapidly.

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Group Cohesion Over Time

In a study of five groups, initial sessions were marked by member turnover, but after the 12th meeting, the group stabilized and attendance became near perfect.

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Dropout Pattern in Group Therapy

The majority of studies indicate a similar pattern: initial dropouts are more common, but later dropouts are less frequent. This suggests that groups become more stable over time.

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Intimacy and Attrition

One study suggested that increased intimacy within the group, which occurs as the group matures, can lead to some members feeling uncomfortable and dropping out.

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Cyclotherapy

The process of returning to the same issues in therapy but from a different perspective and with greater depth each time.

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Antigroup Forces

Forces that hinder group development, such as fear of merging with others, loss of independence, or being judged.

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Group Development Sequence

The natural progression of events in a therapy group, including initial stages, conflict resolution, and deeper understanding.

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Human Interaction in Group Therapy

Real-life experiences and interactions within a group, making it unpredictable and dynamic.

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Self-Disclosure in Group Therapy

The act of revealing personal information and experiences in a group setting.

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Emotional Expression in Group Therapy

The tendency for members to express and process emotions together within the group.

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Interpersonal Dynamics in Group Therapy

The ways in which group members interact with each other, forming relationships and alliances.

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Self-Awareness in Group Therapy

The process of members becoming aware of their own patterns and behaviors within the group.

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Scapegoat

A group member who becomes the target of blame, criticism, and rejection by the group, often unfairly.

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Scapegoating

The unconscious process where a group projects its own negative aspects (like envy, neediness, or shame) onto a scapegoat.

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Utopia Fantasy

A belief that removing the scapegoat will make the group perfect or harmonious. This belief is flawed and can lead to destructive actions.

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Deviant Voice Message

The scapegoat often reflects a hidden feeling or desire that is secretly shared by other group members. The leader needs to acknowledge this.

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Humanizing the Scapegoat

A group leader should help the scapegoat connect with other members by acknowledging their shared experiences and vulnerabilities.

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Extrusion Myth

The belief that removing a scapegoat will lead to group cohesion is wrong. It can actually create more guilt and apprehension within the group.

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Reclaiming Projected Affects

Group members must confront their projected feelings towards the scapegoat and take responsibility for their actions.

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Conflict from Change

Change within a group can lead to conflict because people naturally resist change and may react defensively.

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Client Dependency in Therapy

The tendency of clients to believe their therapist holds the key to their salvation, and will "fix" them.

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Therapist's Role in Dependency

The expectation that the therapist is responsible for their well-being, often fueled by the professional identity of the therapist, the therapeutic setting, and the therapist's actions.

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Stereotyped Initial Phase

The initial phase of group therapy where members discuss surface-level issues emphasizing social etiquette and group harmony, avoiding deeper, more emotionally charged topics.

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Need for a Rescuer

The client's underlying need for a strong, protective figure like a parent or rescuer, often contributing to dependency on the therapist.

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Initial Dependency

The initial stage of therapy when clients may be overly reliant on the therapist and avoid taking responsibility for their own issues, often stemming from a past history of dependence.

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Therapist's Role in Reinforcing Dependency

The tendency for some therapists to reinforce client dependency by playing into their idealized expectations, potentially creating a cycle of reliance.

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Suppressed Irrational Concerns

The client's suppressed irrational fears and emotions, often hidden beneath a facade of rationality and social etiquette during the initial phase of group therapy.

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Surface-Level Discussions

The tendency for groups to focus on superficial, agreeable topics during the initial phase, avoiding deeper issues that might trigger emotional responses or disrupt group harmony.

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Group Therapy Dropout

The tendency for members to leave a group therapy session prematurely.

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Individual Therapy Impact on Dropout

Individual therapy before or during group therapy can significantly reduce the chance of a member leaving early.

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Short-Term Group Therapy and Dropout

Shorter group therapy programs generally have lower dropout rates.

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Group Size and Attendance

Starting with a larger group helps ensure that even if some people leave, there are enough members remaining for the group to be successful.

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Large Group Size and Marginalization

Starting with too many members in a closed group can lead to some individuals feeling isolated and ultimately leaving the group.

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Attendance and Punctuality in Groups

Regular attendance and punctuality are encouraged in group therapy, but challenges arise in the early stages.

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Tardiness and Absence as Resistance

Frequent tardiness or absence in group therapy often indicates resistance to the therapeutic process.

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Understanding Group Resistance

When members frequently arrive late or miss sessions, it's important to examine the underlying reasons for their resistance to the group's cohesion.

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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.

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