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Bridging Individual and Group Psychology

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Abstract

Hopper's proposed fourth basic assumption is analyzed and redefined in terms of two concepts from the previous literature, namely, the loosely organized psychological group and the group illusion. The former relates to Hopper's description of the aggregation phenomenon and can help understand the treatment process in groups for patients with severe psychopathology. The latter relates to his description of the massification phenomenon and can help us understand pseudo-mutuality in groups as a defense against internal destructiveness.

Hopper's concept of personification represents an attempt to find an interface between individual and group psychology. Doubt is raised whether this can be successful. The difficult patient may appear to personify the group's dynamics, but that is deceptive. Difficult patients have malleable egos that make them prone to role suction, which is substantially different from personification.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Private practice, Valhalla, NY

    Howard D. Kibel (Clinical Professor of Psychiatry)

  2. New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY

    Howard D. Kibel (Clinical Professor of Psychiatry)

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  1. Howard D. Kibel
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Kibel, H.D. Bridging Individual and Group Psychology. Group 25, 181–190 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012225401669

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012225401669

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