ABSTRACT
In attempting to describe the covert, shared aspects of the group's life, we have adopted a theoretical language which utilizes the key terms "group focal conflict," "disturbing motive," "reactive motive," and "solution." Focal conflicts in which the disturbing motive involves covert, shared resentment toward the therapist are, of course, not uncommon. Sometimes a precipitating event which activates a particular focal conflict can be identified. For example, in an inpatient group of patients with psychosomatic complaints, one patient, with great difficulty and misgiving, confessed his long-time fear of being followed and attacked. The impulses and fears involved in a group focal conflict exist outside the awareness of the patients. Although an outside observer can perceive and link the covert references to a shared concern, the individual who is in the focal conflict does not have this perspective. From a focal-conflict point of view, a disturbing motive may be emerging which involves a wish to be unique and to receive special attention.
