TY - JOUR
T1 - Damaging experiences in therapeutic group
T2 - How vulnerable consumers become group casualties
AU - Smokowski, Paul Richard
AU - Rose, Sheldon D.
AU - Bacallao, Martica L.
PY - 2001/4
Y1 - 2001/4
N2 - Many consumers who are seeking support and affiliation are treated in a variety of group settings. Yet, even with sustained popularity, groups are not always helpful and can be dangerous. This article uses clinical case studies to delineate the transactional dynamics of damaging group experiences. Interviews with 33 individuals who met the criteria for being considered group casualties were analyzed to understand what factors precipitated dangerous group events. Three interrelated domains are discussed: individual attributes and actions that place group members at risk of becoming group casualties, group attributes and actions that create a toxic atmosphere, and leader attributes and actions that cause damaging group experiences. Damaging leader behavior, characterized by what the leader does or does not do, was the most destructive of the three domains. Implications for practitioners and guidelines for preventing damaging group experiences are suggested.
AB - Many consumers who are seeking support and affiliation are treated in a variety of group settings. Yet, even with sustained popularity, groups are not always helpful and can be dangerous. This article uses clinical case studies to delineate the transactional dynamics of damaging group experiences. Interviews with 33 individuals who met the criteria for being considered group casualties were analyzed to understand what factors precipitated dangerous group events. Three interrelated domains are discussed: individual attributes and actions that place group members at risk of becoming group casualties, group attributes and actions that create a toxic atmosphere, and leader attributes and actions that cause damaging group experiences. Damaging leader behavior, characterized by what the leader does or does not do, was the most destructive of the three domains. Implications for practitioners and guidelines for preventing damaging group experiences are suggested.
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U2 - 10.1177/104649640103200205
DO - 10.1177/104649640103200205
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0035315518
SN - 1046-4964
VL - 32
SP - 223
EP - 251
JO - Small Group Research
JF - Small Group Research
IS - 2
ER -