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The development of group cohesion in process-oriented group psychotherapy
Author
Yeo, Eng Kwan
Supervisor
D'Rozario, Vilma
Abstract
This qualitative study focused on the development of cohesion as experienced by five members of a process-oriented interpersonal learning group conducted at a university counselling centre in Singapore. It is hoped that the findings would guide the practice of conducting therapeutic groups and enhance the effectiveness of group leaders, as cohesion is a highly complex construct not quite understood and measured among the various group processes, and at the same time was one of the most important factors contributing to the success of group psychotherapy.
Data was collected through semi-structured interviews administered to the five participants and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach, with the aim of addressing two research questions: how did group members experience cohesion and what were the factors that affected cohesion.
The results of this study discovered that cohesion was perceived as an important interpersonal process and a close connection among members. Members also valued the social aspects of cohesion and associated cohesion with close friendships. At the same time, members were fearful that cohesion would force them to conform to group pressure, and to lose their individuality and freedom. Cohesion was influenced by group composition, commitment to the group, the ability to understand each other empathetically, attitude of acceptance and openness, honesty and trust, interpersonal feedback (self-disclosure) and group norms. The findings reflected that acceptance of each other contributed to a sanitization of conflicts. Members were reluctant to give interpersonal feedback which then negatively impacted on honesty and genuineness in the group, and ultimately, cohesion in the group.
Implications on how group therapists could strengthen cohesion through encouraging more genuineness, trust and self-disclosure among members were discussed, as well as limitation for this study.
Data was collected through semi-structured interviews administered to the five participants and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach, with the aim of addressing two research questions: how did group members experience cohesion and what were the factors that affected cohesion.
The results of this study discovered that cohesion was perceived as an important interpersonal process and a close connection among members. Members also valued the social aspects of cohesion and associated cohesion with close friendships. At the same time, members were fearful that cohesion would force them to conform to group pressure, and to lose their individuality and freedom. Cohesion was influenced by group composition, commitment to the group, the ability to understand each other empathetically, attitude of acceptance and openness, honesty and trust, interpersonal feedback (self-disclosure) and group norms. The findings reflected that acceptance of each other contributed to a sanitization of conflicts. Members were reluctant to give interpersonal feedback which then negatively impacted on honesty and genuineness in the group, and ultimately, cohesion in the group.
Implications on how group therapists could strengthen cohesion through encouraging more genuineness, trust and self-disclosure among members were discussed, as well as limitation for this study.
Date Issued
2010
Call Number
BF636.7.G76 Yeo
Date Submitted
2010