ETIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF ANGER IN GROUPS - A PSYCHODYNAMIC VIEW

The author postulates that theoretical explanations of the etiology of anger and aggression inform the group therapist's interventions. Four psychodynamic schools of thought-drive theory, ego psychology, object relations theory, and self psychology-are discussed. Choice of the be st-suited theory to increase understanding may vary according to the p articular patient and/or set of group circumstances. A pitfall to be a voided is forcing any given individual, event, Or process into a speci fic school of thought. In the group, special issues related to anger e xist: the therapist's vulnerability to narcissistic injury if made the focus of anger, the increased intensity and force of anger that can b e mustered in a group, and the safety afforded patients as they, outnu mbering the therapist(s), express anger.