Group-as-a-Whole and Complexity Theories: Areas of Convergence. Part II: Application to Group Relations, Group Analysis, and Systems Centered Therapy

Abstract

Complexity theory is a scientific paradigm concerned with the ways in which order (determinism) and disorder (unpredictability, turbulence, chaos) combine to produce emergent higher levels of organization. The group-as-a-whole is an example of a living system where interactions among individuals, often at ‘the edge of chaos’, lead to group-qua-group dynamics. In Part I (Group Analysis 45(3)), the author considered the respective paradigms underlying group dynamics and complexity. Some basic concepts of complexity theory were discussed, and recent literature on complexity and group psychotherapy were reviewed. In the current article, the author considers the implications of complexity theory for three predominant frameworks for dynamic group psychotherapy and group-as-a-whole theory: Bion’s basic assumptions and the related Tavistock and A.K. Rice Institute group relations approaches; Foulkes’ group analysis, and Agazarian’s systems-centered therapy.