Urges caution in illuminating and interpreting spontaneous group metaphors. Encourages metaphor amplification as less intrusive means for using this therapeutic tool. Provides case examples to support discussion. (Author/CM)

Clinical examples illustrate how one therapist's absence may stimulate the emergence and expression of warded-off material in the patient group and may serve as a catalyst for change. Describes possible benefits for cotherapy relationship. (Author/NRB)

Examines group relational factors in negotiations regarding humor. Examples from a self-analytic group are discussed. Proposes humor can turn into hostility unless it periodically comes under negotiation and efforts are made to place it under normative regulation. (JAC)

Suggests that quasi-theories may link symbolic interactionism and negotiated order theory. The proposal theory is grounded in a case study of a university sabbatical leave committee. Situational response is explained in regard to the microsocial processes of cure selection and cure justification, rather than relying on macrosocial issues.…

Describes a case study illustrating organizational and system contingencies for introducing and maintaining a support group for oncology nursing staff in a large general hospital culture. Criteria for long-run survivability of innovation in a work system are applied to a group structured like that described by Balint for training physicians in…