Interactions among group members exist on three levels: the narcissistic-fusional level; the level of active ego-performances, and the level of free decisions. The active ego-performances contribute most to coping and defence within a therapeutic group. There is a constant oscillation between the different levels of object relations. In regressive episodes there is a preponderance of the narcissistic-fusional level. It is the function of the therapist to observe these shifts and bring the members step by step to the level of active ego-performances, contributing thus to an inner maturation and to further coping strategies in the here-and-now.
Battegay, R.
(1992) `Projective Identification as a Regulator in the Group Process: The Three Levels of Interaction in Analytic Groups', Group Analysis25(1): 7-13.
2.
Ferencik, B.M.
(1991) `A Typology of the Here-and-Now: Issues in Group Therapy', International Journal of Group Psychotherapy41: 169-183.
3.
Frankl, Viktor E.
(1975) Theorie und Therapie der Neurosen. Einführung in Logotherapie und Existenzanalyse. 4. Aufl. München: Reinhardt.
