Preparing Newcomers to Enhance Assimilation into Groups

Abstract

A common event in most groups is the introduction of new members into the established group in order to compensate for attrition, to expand, or to change. Newcomers in group often have little or no idea of what occurs in the group and may drop out if expectations are too divergent from the realities of the group process. The introduction of a newcomer may also have disruptive effects on the established group. These effects may be exaggerated in therapy groups. However, with preparation of the newcomer and the group, the integration of the newcomer can be enhanced. The literature on newcomers in groups is scattered and deals with many settings. This literature is examined and a general model examining factors felt to be important for successful assimilation in group psychotherapy is presented.