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Intersubjectivity and narcissism in group psychotherapy: how feedback works
1Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, USA.
International Journal of Group Psychotherapy
|April 25, 2000
Summary
Group psychotherapy feedback is often resisted due to narcissistic injury fears. An inter-subjective feedback model, focusing on understanding others
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Group Dynamics
Background:
- Inter-subjectivity in group psychotherapy is complex, influenced by multiple relationship types.
- Inter-member feedback is crucial for relational processes but often met with resistance.
- Resistance stems from fears of narcissistic injury, rooted in specific belief systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the nature of narcissistic belief systems driving resistance to feedback.
- To present and contrast two models of feedback: cybernetic and inter-subjective.
- To clinically exemplify the inter-subjective feedback model.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical discussion of narcissistic belief systems and feedback resistance.
- Presentation and comparison of the cybernetic and inter-subjective feedback models.
- Clinical case examples illustrating the inter-subjective model.
Main Results:
- The cybernetic feedback model aligns with narcissistic beliefs about external control.
- The inter-subjective feedback model reframes feedback as insight into the donor's perspective.
- Clinical application demonstrates the utility of the inter-subjective approach.
Conclusions:
- Understanding narcissistic motivations is key to addressing feedback resistance in groups.
- The inter-subjective model offers a therapeutic alternative to the cybernetic model.
- Shifting focus to the donor's world can facilitate more adaptive engagement with feedback.