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When in group settings, we are often influenced by the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around us. Groupthink is another phenomenon of conformity where modification of the opinions of members in a group aligns with what they believe is the group consensus (Janis, 1972). In such situations, the group often takes action that individuals would not perform outside the group setting because groups make more extreme decisions than individuals do. Moreover, groupthink can hinder opposing trains of...
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Groups play a fundamental role in shaping individual behavior, as they establish norms that guide interactions and decision-making. Social psychology examines how individuals conform to group expectations, often adjusting their attitudes and actions to align with group norms. These norms can be formal, such as workplace policies, or informal, such as unspoken social expectations within a fraternity.Conformity and Social InfluenceConformity arises when individuals modify their behaviors or...
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Person perception is influenced by both external behaviors and the observer’s internal characteristics, including personality traits. Individuals with dark personality traits, comprising psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism — collectively known as the dark triad – exhibit manipulative and exploitative tendencies in social contexts. These traits affect how they perceive others and how they are perceived.The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Person PerceptionBlack et...
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The Group's Vulnerability to Disaster: Basic Assumption and Work Group Mentalities Underlying Trump's 2016 Election.

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Donald Trump's 2016 election win is analyzed using Wilfred Bion's group theory. The study explores basic assumption phenomena and identification processes in his supporters and detractors.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychoanalysis
  • Political Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Donald Trump's 2016 presidential election victory was unexpected.
  • Wilfred Bion's (1961) theory of groups offers a framework for analyzing group dynamics.
  • Understanding the psychological underpinnings of political support and opposition is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To apply Wilfred Bion's group theory to Donald Trump's political rise and the 2016 US presidential election.
  • To explore Bion's concepts of basic assumption phenomena, the group as a part-object mother's body, work groups, and projective identification in this context.
  • To analyze the relationship between Trump, his supporters, and his detractors through a psychoanalytic lens.

Main Methods:

  • Application of Wilfred Bion's psychoanalytic group theory.
  • Analysis of basic assumption phenomena (e.g., dependency, fight-flight, pairing).
  • Examination of introjective and projective identification within political groups.

Main Results:

  • Basic assumption phenomena were evident in both Trump's supporters and detractors.
  • Both groups exhibited defensive maneuvers against anxieties related to group activities.
  • The leader figure (Trump) emerged partly due to a neglect of projective identification, linked to regressive and dissociative tendencies.

Conclusions:

  • Bion's group theory provides valuable insights into the dynamics of political movements and leadership.
  • Understanding basic assumption phenomena and identification processes is key to analyzing political polarization.
  • The study highlights the role of unconscious group processes in shaping political outcomes.