EXPERIENCES WITH SMALL GROUPS IN TEACHING GROUP PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

his paper is concerned with the dynamic psychology of small groups as manifested in seminars convened for the purpose of studying group processes. Observations stem from a technique of teaching which works through the medium of management of the emotional needs of group mebers around a central figure or leader. The empirical data were drawn from upwards of ten groups of younger professionals in psychiatry, clinical psychology, and social work who agreed upon or contracted for weekly seminars ranging from fifteen to thirty-five in number. The procedure involved a modified type of free association where the criterion of "appropriate participation" rather than uncensored association is the rule. Size of the groups ranged from ten to fifteen members.