On the misuse of group membership

Group membership is analyzed from the perspective of developmental theory. Maladaptive or nontransitional uses of the groups of everyday life, such as work and social groups as well as therapy groups, are discussed and illustrated with clinical examples. It is recommended that therapists pay attention to the nature and meaning of their patients' involvements in these sorts of groups, keeping in mind that the meanings of such affiliations are particularly influenced by developmental factors.