Psihoterapija, Vol. 35 No. 1-2, 2021.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.24869/psihei.43
SEXUAL DIFFERENCES AND GROUP PROCESS: THE INFLUENCE ON EXPRESSING DESIRES
Ika Rončević-Gržeta
; University Hospital Rijeka, Psychiatry clinic; University of Rijeka; Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatry and psychological medicine department
Abstract
Desire includes a subjective aspect and a motivational force which, apart from the sexual,
pervades all spheres of human life. When it comes to expressing a desire in a group, this
cannot be merely brought down to sexual desire. Sexual identity, or gender identity, in a
group will affect the way the desire is expressed, and especially so when diverse sexualities
are involved. The degree to which the members of a group will be able to express their
desires in the group depends on a number of factors that may concern either the members,
the conductor, or the group itself. Similar factors determine who the object of the desire will
be: another member, the conductor, or the group as a whole.Topics pertaining to sexuality, especially when sexual differences are in question, are difficult
to approach in a group process since sexuality is considered to be a personal thing,
often accompanied by feelings of guilt or shame. Healthy discussions on the topic are often
not held, especially concerning sexual differences. This way, a path opens towards prejudice
and unnecessary stigma or pathologization of certain sexual features that are oftentimes
just variations of some of sexual or gender identities.
In recent times, we have seen a significant development in acceptance of sexual differences,
as in society so in group therapy. Irrespective of the approach to the issues of sexual
differences in a therapy group, sexual differences are present and affect most aspects of
the group process.
The task of group therapists is to face the changes concerning sexual differences and to
adjust their own moral principles in order for the group to attain cohesion. Consequently,
every member of the group would have the opportunity to express their desires “here and
now”, including those of sexual nature, regardless of sexual differences.
Keywords
group process; sexual differences; desire; sexual desire
Hrčak ID:
270466
URI
Publication date:
3.1.2022.
Visits: 1.034 *