Chapter 3: Cohesiveness

1. Chapter 3: Cohesiveness The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy Irvin Yalom, Ph.D

2. Cohesiveness • Cohesiveness in group therapy corresponds with therapeutic relationship in individual therapy. • Therapeutic alliance is the most valuable variable in individual psychotherapy research. • In group, it also includes the relationship the pt has with others and with the group as a whole (i.e. that is two more dimensions).

3. Cohesiveness • Cohesiveness in group represents the “we-ness” or amount of “groupness”. • This provides the group with a better defense against any external / internal threats. • Extremely difficult cohesiveness in order to research it appropriately. • Yalom defines it as a member’s desire to remain in the group. The experience of warmth, acceptance and being valued.

4. Cohesiveness • It is fixed and can change as the group changes among the stages, composition, etc… • Of all aspects of cohesiveness, it is the aspect of sharing one’s inner world while being accepted by others, that directly influences self esteem. • One theory of group effectiveness is that some patients have a poor group history in their life. • Therefore, internalizing the atmosphere of cohesive group, augmenting a process of self acceptance or self cohesion.

5. Cohesiveness • In a study of 139 subjects (described on p 52), the subjects state that the most positive aspect of the group was the feeling of security and acceptance. • In fact, in this study the two predicting variables of positive outcomes were : • group cohesiveness and general popularity. • Greater cohesiveness = increased disclosure, attendance, influenceability, intimacy and social risk taking.

6. Cohesiveness • However, this acceptance of others may be challenged by how participants accept themselves. • As such, two challenges are inherently posed in group. • A person’s ability to establish and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationship. • A person’ ability to maintain self worth/ self esteem among others.

7. Cohesiveness • Self Esteem vs public esteem • Childhood evaluations from others contributed to an internal reservoir of self worth. • However, people to some degree continue to be concerned for the current evaluation of others.

8. Cohesiveness • Public esteem - a group’s evaluation of someone. • This depends on how important group is to person, the frequency of contact, and the relevance of the feedback to person’s traits. • A discrepancy between self and public esteem leads to dissonance. • If discrepancy is negative pt can: • Misperceive / deny • Devalue group • Rise to the occassion

9. Cohesiveness • These esteem issues were influenced by person’s popularity in group. • 3 variables that did not correlate with outcome but did with popularity are: P60 • previous self disclosure • interpersonal compatibility • chosen as leisure companions.

10. Cohesiveness • Group Cohesiveness can also = Hostility • Other variables associated with cohesiveness: • try harder to influence other • more receptive to being influenced • receptive others and accepting • greater security and relief from tension • more participation • self disclosure • protect group norms • group is less disrupted with member leaves.