Group Dynamic

Question 1

Group dynamic

Answer 1

Bion was a psychoanalyst interested in group dynamics. He believed that groups had a collective unconscious that operated in a similar way to that of an individual. He therefore claimed that the function of this unconsciousness was to protect the group from the pain of reality.

He made the distinction between two types of group. The first was the working group, which was one that was working well and getting the job done. The second was the basic assumption group which was acting out primitive fantasies and preventing things from getting done.

He then went on to describe the different types of basic assumption groups.

Question 2

Dependency

Answer 2

Here the group turns towards a leader to protect them from anxiety. An example of this is when a group of strangers get together for the first time, there can be an awkward silence before someone finally takes initiative and plays the role of leader.

Question 3

Fight flight

Answer 3

Here the group acts as if there is an enemy who must be attacked or avoided. The enemy can be either within the group or external. The group may at times pursue and defeat the perceived enemy but will soon create another one. An example of this would be the way doctors in different specialities become so damming of one another.

Question 4

Pairing

Answer 4

Here then group acts as if the answer lies in the pairing of two of the members. This may be in the form of a friendly pairing or an extremely hostile one.