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An Exploratory Study of Group-as-a-Whole Dynamics in Children's Group Therapy

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Journal of Child and Adolescent Group Therapy

Abstract

In this study, dynamics of group-as-a-whole (GAW) moments within children's group therapy were investigated. The children's groups, called Play Activity Groups (PAGs), were a part of the elective activities within an afterschool program. This study included the participation of 17 children and six facilitators from five school age groups. Kinetic drawings from the children, process notes from the facilitators, and semi-structured interviews from both children and facilitators were analyzed as indirect, retrospective, and qualitative data. The study showed that the sequence of events in GAW was related to the ability of the group, and particularly of the adult members, to sustain the role of “other,” and to withstand the destructive forces of GAW activity. If this task was accomplished, a sense of play, fluidity, and safety were noted by both children and adults. The study was exploratory, and has limited generalizability. The need for research with different groups and methods is presented. The implications for therapists' techniques are discussed.

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  1. San Francisco School of Psychology, 31 Edna Street, San Francisco, California, 94112

    Chaya Rivka Mayerson

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  1. Chaya Rivka Mayerson
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Mayerson, C.R. An Exploratory Study of Group-as-a-Whole Dynamics in Children's Group Therapy. Journal of Child and Adolescent Group Therapy 10, 131–150 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009484500827

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