Abstract
This paper looks at the phenomenon of competition in group psychotherapy. The universal proscriptions against competition, as a derivative of greed, envy, and jealousy are explored, along with competition's concomitant defenses. Competition is viewed as particularly conflictual for women because of its aggressive components, which are experienced as “unfeminine” and threatening to relationships. Healthy and destructive manifestations of competition are described. Countertransference pitfalls are outlined, and clinical examples are offered to underscore the importance of addressing competition directly in group psychotherapy.
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The author wishes to acknowledge Edna Mordecai, Ph.D., and Virginia Reiher, Ph.D., for their invaluable feedback. Special thanks also to Patricia Doherty, Ed.D., who encouraged her to compete.
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Wallach, T. Competition and gender in group psychotherapy. Group 18, 29–36 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01459716
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01459716