THE CONTROL OF HOSTILITY IN GROUP TRAINING

Abstract

Frank (5) contrasts in general terms the procedures and underlying theories of training groups and of psychotherapy groups. The present paper deals specifically with the problem of hostility, demonstrating the characteristics and philosophy underlying group training that are distinctive and unique in comparison with the management of this problem in the group therapy situation. Generality of Hostility in Group Situations Hostility is a most pervasive and disturbing force which invariably appears in any form of group behavior. It manifests itself in subtle and diverse ways to disrupt effective group performance. It seems that inherently group living contains elements which set the stage for its own destruction. French states that "by its very nature, all social living is a potential conflict for the individual" (6, pp. 369)