(Foulkes' group matrix in the light of infant research)

Journal/Book: Gruppenpsychother Gruppendyn. 1995; 31: Theaterstrasse 13, Postfach 77, W-37070 Gottingen, Germany. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. 191-211.

Abstract: Foulkes describes the psychological processes, which interact in a group matrix as unconscious, intrapersonal and transpersonal. In the therapeutic process, communication among the group members moves from an archaic-symbolic level to verbally articulated consciousness. The psychological dynamics within the group matrix show great similarity to those described by the baby-watchers as the dynamics of the early mother-child-dyad which develop from an initial system of habitualized synchronistic patterns of interaction to intersubjective nonverbal and verbal attunements. In addition, the perception mode of the group analyst in the form of an ''artistic experience'' shows great affinity to the ''global-affective experience'' of the baby. Although Foulkes does not make or state these connections the author maintains that the dynamics of Foulkes's group matrix have their origins and their basis in the early mother-child-matrix. Furthermore, this matrix-dynamics open up new perspectives for the interaction between analyst and analysand. They point to the dialectic nature of the analytic relationship.

Note: Article B Oberhoff, Osterstr 153, D-48163 Munster, Germany

Keyword(s): PSYCHOANALYSIS

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