Post-traumatic accelerated cohesion: Its recognition and management in group treatment of Vietnam veterans

Parson, Erwin Randolph

doi:10.1007/bf01458261

Cited by 19 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Basic techniques involved the provision of a safe group environment (including rules of conduct and protection of confidentiality), allowing ventilation of feelings, and use of a number of cognitive techniques as noted by Parsons (1985). These cognitive techniques included cognitive restructuring; bibliotherapy; progressive relaxation; stress reduction; and psychoeducation regarding symptoms of PTSD (Reaves & Maxwell,p.…”

Section: Treatment Of Combat Trauma After Vietnammentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemporary Group Treatment of Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Kingsley

2007

The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynam

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The contemporary group treatment of veterans from the Vietnam War to the present who suffer from combat-related PTSD is reviewed in light of the dynamic understanding of combat trauma developed during and since World War II. Both dynamic and cognitive behavioral group therapies are explored. The common features of all group treatments of combat PTSD involve the development of trust and the communalization of trauma within a cohesive group. Further research is needed to increase our understanding of effectiveness, mediating factors, and relationships between childhood experience and combat trauma.

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Section: Treatment Of Combat Trauma After Vietnammentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemporary Group Treatment of Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Kingsley

2007

The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynam

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“…In view of the commonly held belief in these stages, how can we explain our failure to find them? Parson (1985) has pointed out that homogeneous groups of Vietnam veterans may develop "post-traumatic accelerated cohesion," which he defines as "the rapid or accelerated movement of the group process toward a premature tightly knit cohesive group structure" (p. 11). The dangers of this phenomenon include a tendency to evade reality through the development of shared group fantasies, an avoidance of conflict, and a neglect to recognize individual differences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Over time, more traditional forms of group therapy came into use for these patients. These were led by mental health professionals, they often focused on individual symptoms and psychopathology, and they utilized theoretical constructs from psychoanalytic and systems theory (Frick & Bogart, 1982;Goren et al, 1986;Koller et al, 1992;Parson, 1985Parson, , 1988van der Kolk, 1987;Walker & Nash, 1981).…”

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confidence: 99%

Process and content in a long-term PTSD therapy group for Vietnam veterans

Kanas

Schoenfeld

Marmar

et al. 1994

Group

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Process and content were studied in four 16-session segments of a psychodynamically oriented therapy group for Vietnam veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ-S), the group scored significantly higher in the Engaged dimension and significantly lower in the Avoiding and Conflict dimensions than contrasting samples of neurotic and psychotic groups. There was no evidence of group stages. Topics related to symptoms of PTSD were discussed most frequently (43.1%), followed by issues concerning relations with others (32.4%), general group therapy issues (13.7%), and other topics (10.8%). Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.Over 800,000 Vietnam veterans suffer from problems related to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD (Kulka et al., 1990). This condition is characterized by: intrusive, repetitive thoughts of memories related to war trauma; avoidance and denial of these memories and the emotions they trigger; and symptoms of increased arousal, such as irritability, hypervigilance, and angry outbursts. Additional problems may result from PTSD, such as alcohol and drug

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“…Additionally, highly cohesive groups are more stable, have higher levels of self-disclosure and exhibit more risk-taking behavior. However, Parson (1985) has described a unique form of cohesion which can develop in groups comprised of Vietnam veterans with PTSD. This ~post-traumatic accelerated cohesion" is described as having a rapid and premature development resulting from the PTSD symptoms among members, a homogeneous group structure, and the discussion of themes of war.…”

Section: The Benefits Of Group Treatment With Vietnam Veteransmentioning

confidence: 97%