Research and Survive? A Critical Question for Group Analysis

Abstract

Within the UK NHS (National Health Service) there is an increasing emphasis on evidence based practice in psychological therapies. This article discusses the political challenges and practical dilemmas this raises for group analysis, first by examining questions that might be asked by the principal stakeholders in group analysis as practised within the NHS. Such questions relate to one central issue: `What is the point of group analysis?' and might be regarded as different angles on this shared, core question, as seen from the perspectives of outcome, process and theory. The literature relating to outcome and process in group analysis will be discussed and the current state of group-analytic theory examined, with emphasis on group analysis as a `broad church'. The article will discuss issues of research, and argue that, due to the relatively undeveloped state of group-analytic theory, it is necessary to look to qualitative research methods as a means of helping to build a more clearly defined group-analytic theory and proving its worth.