The projective expression of patient-therapist attraction

✍ Scribed by Lester M. Libo

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1957
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 322 KB
• Volume: 13
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-9762
• DOI: 10.1002/1097-4679(195701)13:1<33::aid-jclp2270130107>3.0.co;2-5

✦ Synopsis

A fairly stable pattern of interaction is evolved in the first few meetings and maintained thereafter, in which each member has a characteristic role which the others expect him to discharge. The range of role specialization, however, is narrow in therapy groups, and consequently a single status dimension accounts for most of their hierarchical structuring. Such hierarchies are clearly recognized by the patients and position in them is achieved both by task oriented and social-emotional contributions to the group's progress. The general trend is for members to rank about equally high on the various component functions of the status hierarchy which corresponds in most respects to a definition of leadership. Such discrepancies as do occur in rank on the various components of leadership are of particular interest, and have been analyzed by reference to the interaction profile. One of the most significant considerations in status ranking appears to be ego-centrism in contrast to manifest concern about other patients' problems.

'The assistance of Dr. Benjamin Pope, who served as the independent scorer, is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also due Mrs.