Three members of the therapy group share covert glances as other members of the group bring up problems.One of them often makes a statement that subtly puts down another speaker or takes exception to a comment by the group leader.The others then nod in agreement.What explanation should the leader suspect underlies this group dynamic?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Subgroups-small groups isolated within a larger group and functioning separately from it-sometimes form within therapy groups.When this occurs,subgroup members are cohesive with other subgroup members but not with the members of the larger group.Members of the subgroup may be bored or frustrated or expressing passive aggression,but the primary dynamic seen here is the splitting off of a subgroup that operates separately within the main group.

Three Members of the Therapy Group Share Covert Glances as Other