Group psychology studies the behavior of organizations and the release of individual control in a group context. It examines the factors that drive group behavior and the decisions made, including the influence of strong religious or cultural principles. In some cases, group psychology can uncover a healthy attachment to a group, but it can also lead to destructive behavior, such as in terrorist groups. Group therapy looks at the balance between individual and collective identity.
Group psychology is the study of organizations and their behavior. It is a realm of psychology that explores the release of individual control within a group context. Social, organizational, and group psychology are all powerful areas of study that examine the many factors that drive group behavior and the decisions a group makes. Depending on the influence of the group, individual consent is often forgone entirely for the greater good of the group. It is the task of group psychology to find out why this release occurs and what effect it has on society.
Many groups are formed based on strong religious or cultural principles. The beliefs of these societies have a purpose that becomes inextricably linked in the minds of the participants. The concepts become both truth and reason, and eventually the individuals of the group no longer question anything related to these beliefs; they just accept them without question. Group members sometimes reach a point where they will go to great lengths to defend ideas deemed indisputable by the group.
In some cases, group psychology can uncover a healthy attachment to a group or foundation. Belonging to a religious group is often a positive and uplifting thing that enhances a person’s lifestyle rather than inhibiting it. However, the line can easily be crossed where obsession with a religious sect’s practices or beliefs can become destructive. Terrorist groups typically start out as nothing more than a welcoming collection of individuals who hold similar beliefs about the world and a higher power. Group psychology regarding terrorists has uncovered an inextricable link with ideas that seem crazy to ordinary people, but for group members who have spent so much time trying to curry favor with certain beliefs in their way of life, there is nothing of abnormal in them.
Individual members of terrorist groups give up their individuality for the purposes of the group. A collective identity is assumed rather than an individual person, which becomes unhealthy. A group psychologist examines the socio-cultural context in which the group operates to determine the extent to which each person can be held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, criminal psychology examines the same areas that define terrorist groups. Some terrorist groups have gone so far as to promote self-sacrifice that members commit suicide on a mission for the group.
Group therapy looks at the balance between individual and collective identity. Natural elements of solitude and a longing for belonging are present in everyone to varying degrees. Group psychologists look at the balance of these conflicting feelings in individuals and then analyze a group to see which areas have been impaired and which dominate.
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