ABSTRACT
So far I have referred to basic assumptions as defensive or regressive manifestations of group life. However, Bion (1961) also refers to what he termed the sophisticated use of basic assumption mentality, an important but lesser-known part of his theory. Here, Bion suggests that a group may utilise the basic assumption mentalities in a sophisticated way, by mobilising the emotions of one basic assumption in the constructive pursuit of the primary task.
