ABSTRACT
D. Spiegel and J. Spira identify that one of the purposes informing their expressive–supportive group therapy for women with recurrent breast cancer was to assist participants to move from passive acceptance of the initial group purpose to an active determination of the group’s purpose and a critical evaluation of what was personally relevant to them from the combined input of others in the group. When Maria’s group made the transition from a social group to an advocacy and social action group, a number of participants left the group. Other groups, such as Helen’s social action group, conclude once they have achieved the group’s purpose, perhaps because the momentum had slackened or the participants are satisfied with their achievements. To establish a group in such settings will require careful assessment as to ways in which a common purpose can be developed in light of likely conflicting interests of leaders and participants.
