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On internalization in group psychology: the group within
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Internalization processes extend beyond the family to include group experiences in childhood and adolescence. Both positive and negative group memories can be internalized and later externalized in therapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- Psychoanalytic literature traditionally limits internalization to the family context.
- Developmental psychology highlights the significance of peer and group experiences in internalization.
- Existing research overlooks the role of group dynamics in internalization and externalization processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize psychoanalytic and developmental psychology literature on internalization.
- To explore the impact of group experiences on internalization and externalization.
- To examine the role of group recollections in free-associative psychotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychoanalytic and developmental psychology.
- Analysis of salient recollections from professionals and patients regarding group experiences.
- Case study approach focusing on free-associative psychotherapy.
Main Results:
- Internalization processes are not confined to the family but significantly involve child and adolescent group experiences.
- Both positive and negative group experiences are subject to internalization.
- Internalized group experiences can be subsequently externalized, particularly within psychotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Group experiences play a crucial role in the internalization process throughout development.
- The internalization and externalization of group experiences are significant in psychotherapeutic contexts.
- Further research should explore the nuances of group dynamics in internalization and therapeutic outcomes.