Rupture and Repair in Mentalization-Based Group Psychotherapy

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology

Background:

• Group mentalizing, defined as joint attention and shared intentionality, is crucial for social functioning.
• Developmental and evolutionary perspectives highlight the significance of joint attention in human social cognition.
• The process of thinking together involves navigating ruptures and repairs while acknowledging individual thought processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of group mentalizing in fostering collaborative and salutogenic social functioning.
• To examine the interplay between joint attention, shared intentionality, and social cooperation.
• To understand how navigating challenges in joint attention contributes to successful cooperation.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on developmental and evolutionary psychology.
• Exploration of theoretical frameworks related to social cognition and cooperation.
• Examination of the dynamics of 'thinking together,' including rupture and repair.

Main Results:

• Group mentalizing acts as a key process supporting collaborative and health-promoting social interactions.
• The development and maintenance of social cooperation are intrinsically linked to the complexities of joint attention.
• Successfully navigating difficulties within joint attention is essential for enabling effective social cooperation.

Conclusions:

• Group mentalizing is fundamental for developing advanced collaborative social functioning.
• Understanding and managing the challenges inherent in joint attention are critical for successful social cooperation.
• The capacity for shared intentionality and joint attention, including its difficulties, underpins human sociality.