Journal of Mental Science (1947) 93: 613-630. doi: 10.1192/bjp.93.392.613
© 1947 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Emotional Interplay and Dominant Personalities in Therapeutic Groups: Observations on Combined Schizophrenic-Neurotic Groups

F. Kräupl, M.D., D.P.M.

Netherne Hospital, Coulsdon, Surrey

ABSTRACT

  1. The response of male schizophrenic patients to a therapeutic group setting is reported. Two groups were observed; in Group I the schizophrenics equalled, in Group II they outnumbered the other participants.
  2. Group II was disrupted by strong feelings of hostility which were directed against one of the attending schizophrenics; the group eventually broke into two unequal parts when all the other schizophrenic patients insisted on being seen as a separate group.
  3. Inter-personal relations in a group can be multilateral. The span of awareness for multilateral contacts seems to be limited, however; if they are too numerous the idea of a group configuration replaces the awareness of distinct personalities.
  4. The emotional response aroused through inter-personal relations in a group appears to be of the same character as in individual psychotherapy.
  5. There is, however, the difference that a group setting offers a feeling of greater social security and emotional support than individual interviews to tongue-tied patients, and particularly to schizophrenics.
  6. The risk that patients, and especially schizophrenics, may "act out" emotional difficulties seems to be greater in group than in individual treatment.
  7. The emergence of dominant personalities seems to be a general characteristic of groups with a common purpose. Some of the factors which may lead to dominance have been tentatively considered. Dominance in human groups may have a pathological origin.