Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy
Statement from the Board of Directors regarding the riots in Washington, DC
January 11, 2021
The Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy is saddened and horrified at the events that occurred in our nation’s Capitol last week when a mob was incited to attack the Capitol to overturn the results of a fair and honest election. As group psychologists we are concerned about destructive group forces and work to develop and implement interventions to reduce such conflict.
Although certain authoritarian leaders certainly bear responsibility for misleading their followers and fomenting discord, we recognize that there are also systemic factors that exacerbate such conflicts and divisiveness. There are well established principles of group dynamics that provide a lens to analyze the behavior we witnessed this week. Groups can quickly become polarized, seeing others as the enemy rather than recognizing our common humanity. As groups become more insular and only attend to what they already believe, they can construct a set of conspiratorial beliefs. Members of such groups lose perspective and consequently fail to use effective decision-making strategies.
The stark images and words, such as Nazi symbols, the confederate flag, and white supremacist rhetoric, have left us and our fellow citizens, yet again, horrified and outraged. It is clear that there are marginalized communities and groups of other ideological persuasions, who would not have been treated in a similar fashion as those that stormed our nation’s Capitol.
As a Society, we strive to be change agents who aim to promote healthy group dynamics. We recognize the importance of encouraging intergroup contact, considering all perspectives, bringing in outside perspectives, requesting someone provide counterarguments, and ensuring diversity in all of our institutions.
We call upon our readers to not fan the flames of destructive forces and instead work towards healing from them. We are guided by our ethics to “respect and protect civil and human rights.” We encourage our members and the public to consider some of the following action steps:
- Investigate where your legislators stand on these issuesopens in new window
- Write letters to your congressperson or local newspapers (consider using resources from APA on how to write these letters.)
- Educate yourselves and those you work with on the experiences and competencies required to treat a diverse population (Division 49’s YouTube Diversity Channelopens in new window)
- Work to find common ground and reduce polarization
- To learn more about group dynamics (From former president of Division 49, Dr. Don Forsythopens in new window)