Group Cohesion: The Therapeutic Factor in Groups

Abstract

Group cohesion is the relationship among members in a group, but group cohesion is more than just a relationship (Yalom and Leszcz 2005). As shown in the opening example, sometimes students sacrifice everything just to be accepted by a group. Cohesion does not mean simply doing what someone else wants you to do or merely getting along with others. Group cohesion is a positive bond that exists between all group members. You cannot have group cohesion if one or more members of the group are ostracized or subdued into compliance. For group cohesion to be positive and constructive, it must be part of a warm supportive group ­environment, empathic understanding and acceptance must be shared by all group participants, and there must be a strong sense of attachment or feeling of belonging among ­individual participants and the group. Group cohesion provides the bond within the group which helps group members heal old wounds of negativism and pursue new pathways of success. Therefore, your program must develop and maintain constructive, positive group cohesion.