Analyzes proposition that scapegoat role emerges in small groups to permit member distancing from intrapsychic and interpersonal conflict through displacement. Describes small group scapegoating and its consequences. (Author/CM)

Reviews group behavioral issues from past space missions and simulations such as the Skylab Medical Experiments Altitude Test, Skylab missions, and Shuttle Spacelab I mission. Makes recommendations for future flights concerning commandership, crew selection, and ground-crew communications. Pre- and in-flight behavioral countermeasures are…

Examines the proposition that members of a group unconsciously displace the shadow of the group onto other groups to reduce feelings of internal conflict and threat within the group. Characteristics of the group shadow, as well as its psychodynamic function within and between groups are described. (Author/BL)

Reviews literature concerning newcomers in groups in different settings. Presents a general model examining factors felt to be important for successful assimilation in group psychotherapy, i.e., overcoming resistance to join group, clarifying group process, examining client's in-group behavior, and confirming client's expectations. (BH)

Presents the second part of a report on the matrix model for the study of small groups considering implications of the model and its translation into operational terms. Addresses primary group tasks such as identity formation, modes of relating, and reality adaptation. (LLL)

Maintains that coalitions form as a function of the popularity of an individual and the reciprocation between individuals. An algorithm is introduced, incorporating both popularity and reciprocation components, to generate units of analysis for coalition identification. The algorithm reflects aspects of the whole group and intensity of dyads.…

Claims that group cohesiveness has proven to be astonishingly difficult to define precisely and consistently, although it remains a critical group-level variable. Notes that some researchers rely on classic definitions while others leave it undefined. Suggests that greater focus on the definitional issue should improve the quality of future…

Used causal modeling procedures to investigate the relationship between cohesion and productivity in 54 recently formed work groups within the framework of a nine-month longitudinal field study. Results support the central role of group acceptance of organizational goals in determining both productivity and cohesion. (Author/ABL)

Manipulated external status of a target by presenting person as ethnic majority female, ethnic minority male, or ethnic majority male discussing issue with four ethnic majority males. Subjects were college students (N=219). Results were consistent with previous research showing odd person in a group is more salient than other group members. (ABL)

Analyzed group discussions associated with 68 high-quality and 29 low-quality decisions made by comparably informed groups using cross-contact comparison. Found vigilance, second-guessing, and accurate information processing associated with high-quality decisions; faulty information processing and improbable fantasy chains with low-quality…

Discusses the development and description of a comprehensive framework to explain small group behavior labeled the Matrix Model. Argues that a synthesis of knowledge from the adaptive, developmental, structural, transactional, and gestalt points of view will provide a more meaningful and useful understanding of small groups. (LLL)

Rated selected sessions of two long-term psychotherapy groups (N=143) using Gottschalk-Gleser anxiety and hostility verbal content analysis scales. Found group judged to be clinically more successful demonstrated prolonged periods in various states and that affect dimensions of states were consistent with group developmental stage hypothesis…

Urges caution in illuminating and interpreting spontaneous group metaphors. Encourages metaphor amplification as less intrusive means for using this therapeutic tool. Provides case examples to support discussion. (Author/CM)

Reviews relevant issues in clinical social group practice including group versus individual treatment, group work advantages, approach rationale, group conditions for change, worker role in group, group composition, group practice technique and method, time as group work dimension, pretherapy training, group therapy precautions, and group work…

Investigated the relationship of group cohesiveness to empathy, self-disclosure, acceptance, and trust, and compared three different groups (personal growth, driving under the influence, psychotherapy), with a total of 65 subjects, on measures of cohesiveness. Found all factors correlated significantly with cohesiveness and with one another.…