67th Annual Conference

Saturday, February 27

Early Morning Colloquies

Colloquy 11

Understanding How Attachment Theory and Interpersonal Theory Inform Group Stage: Blending Intrapsychic, Interpersonal and Group as a Whole

Presenters:

Kyle Barry, Student, Wright State University, School of Professional Psychology, Dayton, Ohio
Greg Capriotti, Student, Wright State University, School of Professional Psychology, Dayton, Ohio
Martyn Whittingham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio

This presentation will integrate group-as-a-whole theory on group stage with recent advances in the science of attachment theory and interpersonal theory. Models will be presented that explicitly outline methods for explaining group stage as a function of how different attachment and interpersonal styles combine. As such, it will bridge the gap between group-as-a-whole and interpersonal theories. This presentation will also outline how conflict can be anticipated and worked through using these lenses.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:
1. Identify the impact of different interpersonal styles on group stage
2. Identify the impact of different attachment styles on group stage
3. Identify expected patterns in group stages based on the combination of these variables

Course References:
Chen, E. C.; Mallinckrodt, B. (2002). Attachment, Group Attraction, and Self-Other Agreement in Interpersonal Circumplex Problems and Perceptions of Group Members. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, Volume 6, issue 4., p. 311-324

Ravitz, P., Maunder, R. & McBride, C. (2008). Attachment, Contemporary Interpersonal Theory and IPT: An Integration of Theoretical, Clinical, and Empirical Perspectives. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, Vol. 38, Issue: 1, pp. 11 - 21.
 

Graziano, W. G.; Jensen-Campbell, L. A.; Hair, E. C. (1996).Perceiving Interpersonal Conflict and Reacting to It: The Case for Agreeableness.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 70, Issue: 4, pp. 820-835