A Jungian Stage Theory of Individual Development in Personal Growth Groups

Abstract

This article describes personal growth group processes from a Jungian perspective. A 3-stage theory with 18 testable hypotheses is proposed.

SUMMARY AND TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS

This article has proposed a Jungian stage theory of individual development in personal growth groups. A conceptual framework (Day, 1990) was used to develop this stage theory, which framework is based on Jung's theory of the individuation process in the first half of life. The central constructs of this Jungian conceptual framework-theory of psychological types, the persona, the shadow, and the personal complex-are discussed in a previous article from The Journal for Specialists in Group Work (Day & Matthes, 1992).

The stage theory herein articulated includes three stages: (a) Individuation as Interpersonal Exploration, (b) Individuation as In-trapsychic Exploration, and (c) Individuation as Integration. Individual, group, and leader variables were considered. Explanations and outlines of individual behaviors, group issues, and leader variables were provided for each of the three stages. Eighteen hypotheses for future research were suggested.

The group stage theory herein proposed and the Jungian conceptual framework on which it is based suggest that Jung's personality theory may be used for the following reasons: (a) to further theoretical understanding of personal growth group processes, (b) to inform group leader conceptualization and intervention, and (c) to provide a cognitive map for group members who are on the path of individual development (i.e., individuation). A Jungian approach to personal growth groups addresses the need for a “cognitive map” identified by Lieberman et al. (1973). Finally, the Jungian stage theory herein proposed is broadly consistent with Bennis and Shepard's (1956) landmark theory of group development. Indeed, this Jungian stage theory may be understood as a conceptual “template” that furthers our understanding of personal growth group processes and outcomes.