Chapter 2 Interpersonal Learning

The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

Irvin Yalom, Ph.D

Importance of Interpersonal Learning

As in John Bowlby studies on attachment noticed, there is a genetically built in need for social system or connection

a. Hence, there is the dilemma that man is a social being. Here is where you begin to value group therapy, because all pathology is manifested interpersonally.

How does someone meet their needs while meeting those of others?

b. A need for connection, approval, acceptance, esteem or identity?

c. Hence, in research there is the data to suggest that people that are lonely die earlier.

d. In fact, Sullivan thinks or attributes personality significantly to I.L. during development. (i.e. a child is shaped by their interpersonal interactions)

Importance of Interpersonal Learning

In Grunebaum and Solomon's studies of adolescents, self esteem and satisfying others are inseparable.

But, how do we put this element to work within a group?

Sullivan assigned the term Parataxic Distortions to the behavior or our tendency to distort our perceptions of others.

Parataxic Distortion

This occurs in an interpersonal situation. One person relates to another not on the basis of the realistic attributes of the other, but on the basis of a personification that exists chiefly in the former's own fantasty

1. similar to the concept of transference

2. It differs in two ways: a. the scope is broader b. the theory of origin is broader

Parataxic Distortion

This leads to circular causality or a self fulfilling prophecy which is self perpetuating cycle. (e.g. someone with derogatory, debased self

image may through selective attention or projection, incorrectly perceive others to be harsh or rejecting.)

Parataxic Distortion

These distortions are modified by consensual validation one sampling someone else's views on an incident in

order to confirm it (but the sampling is not directly leading to a maladaptive conclusion)

Psychological health has been described as " the expanding of the self to such a final effect that the patient as known to himself is much the same person as the patient’s behaviors with others."

Parataxic Distortion & Interpersonal Learning

This is played out in group therapy. After the initial phase of group therapy,

symptom relief may not be the major goal.Instead, a more interpersonal

preoccupation unfolds - learning to trust and to love others.

Hence, the idea of Near vs Far.

Benefits of Interpersonal Learning by the way of Group Therapy

Corrective Emotional Experience A. The opportunity to expose a pt under more favorable

circumstances to emotional situations that he could not handle in the past.

Franz Alexander 1946 when discussing the psychoanalytic cure stated the above. He mentioned that insight alone is insufficient. There must be an emotional component and systematic reality testing.

(Consensual Validation) 1. This obviously is more difficult in individual therapy. 2. The eliciting of raw emotion is insufficient. This

experience requires : • 1.group must be seen as safe and supportive in order to openly express • 2. there must be sufficient engagement and honest feedback

3. Good example on p25

Importance of Interpersonal Learning

4. In research related to this topic noticed that emotional expression with some form of cognitive map or intellectual system was most successful.

5. Social microcosm p.29 the grand dame• a. dynamic interaction leading to a

number of interpretations of reality• b. Observe consensual validation via a number of

behaviors not just one.• c. Is it real p41• 6. Insight