ABSTRACT
A number of theorists have postulated about why transitional conflict occurs in the group and the value of conflict for group development. It is instructive to view transition from two important perspectives: group developmental theories and group systems theory. Boundaries are part of the overall structure of the group, which includes leader actions, group norms, goals, individual boundaries, and even group activities. Systems theory suggests that the group receives input from the environment that either encourages change or supports the status quo, or homeostasis. J. V. Connors and R. B. Caple referred to this input as change-provoking and change-resisting feedback. Task groups and psychoeducational groups aside, counseling and psychotherapy groups typically lack a structured agenda or program. This lack of structure can be frustrating for group members who may be looking to the leader to provide direction.
