ABSTRACT

The understanding, observing and interpreting of the group process goes hand-in-hand with the understanding, observing and interpreting of the changes that occur in each individual member. According to system theory, a group is a product resulting from the dynamic interactions of its parts and is a system in itself. Group dynamics consists of a interchange, a to and fro of processes such as giving and taking, oppressing and being oppressed, loving and being loved, leaving and being left, eliminating and being eliminated. Heisenberg established in matrix mechanics and it applies also to the group. The author hears a participant's talk and, at the same time, he has to take into account the place from which he speaks. S. H. Foulkes, a psycho-analyst born in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1898. In 1933 he emigrated to London where he died in 1976. Each participant brings a network of relationships into the group. This with the relationships of the other members forms a total 'network'.