A study of group phase development and emergent leadership

A theoretical model of developmental phases and emergent leaders in psychotherapy is presented in this paper. The model forms the basis for a research program aimed at the design of a methodology which will empirically identify phase processes and boundaries and emerging, differentiated leadership. Nine phases have been identified in the development of group structure as well as four major leadership roles which include task, emotional, scapegoat and defiant leaders.Ariadne P. Beck is in private practice in Chicago, Illinois.