ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relational process in groups from the perspective of passion. Passion is defined both in terms of being a powerful feeling and being a painful affect or disturbance. Both of these meanings of passion are used to explore the interpersonal group process, in sporting events and then in psychotherapy groups. First, the effect of passion on both fans watching sporting events and team members playing the sport are reviewed. It is proposed that passion when experienced by group members is a bonding experience for those in the group and can lead to greater identification with the group, which can lead to even more experience and expression of passion. This cycle of passion can lead to greater cohesiveness among the fans and among the team members. Both meanings of passion and the cycle of passion are used to better understand the relational and interpersonal processes in psychotherapy groups. The expression and experience of passion in the group can lead to greater group cohesion, better containment of passion and more flexibility in self-states, all leading to more effective group treatment.
