bits of information on Psychodrama, Sociometry, Group Psychotherapy, associated subjects such as ro

bits of information on Psychodrama, Sociometry, Group Psychotherapy, associated subjects such as ro
From the Presentation: ACORNography: The Theories of J. L. Moreno and Others

Friday, June 8, 2012

Do You Have to Know Math? Yes.

Group leading is very difficult. The number of relationships increase exponentially as the group size enlarges. Here are a few examples.

To calculate the number of relationships multiply the number in group by the next lowest number and divide by two. If there are six group members, calculate this way: 6 x 5 divided by 2 (6 x 5 = 30 / 2) = 15. Fifteen relationships. The diagram shows the relationships for 4 people. 4 x 3 / 2 = 6.

Imagine the relationships in a group of 12 clients.
12 x 11 / 2 = 66.
And add the group leader:
13 x 12 / 2 = 78.

By adding one person, you increase the number of relationships by 12.

And that’s why so many people don’t like to run groups and why so many group leaders cry at night. You have to respect a school teacher with 25 students. 300 relationships; 325 with the teacher.

2 comments:

  1. The Arizona Psychodrama Institute just ran a group today in Tempe, AZ with 5 members and 2 facilitators. Twenty-one relationships! It didn't seem like that many, so no crying for me tonight.

    Tomorrow's group, in Tucson, has 10 registered participants, same 2 facilitators, 66 relationships, that's insane! Luckily we are all generally cooperative with each other.

    Thanks for the math lesson!

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  2. Bill, thanks so much for letting me know about your blog! Very exciting!

    If you have not done so already, you may want to let the Dramatherapy list know about it. Adam Blatner is very active on it and I think the participants would be interested in following your thoughts here, too.

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