video record
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Description
'The Group' is a 16mm colour film made for the Social Sciences foundation course Making Sense of Soceity. It looks specifically at the use of group therapy techniques which aim to bring about chang...es in individuals' attitudes. The programme is presented by Dick Stevens of the Open University who introduces Dr. Don Bannister, Head of the Psychotherapy unit of the hospital at which the film was made. Also taking part are Dr. Rena Proud, a psychiatrist, and Judith Bramley, a psychologist. The group of people with whom the film is concerned have all suffered from psychiatric problems which have made normal social interaction a daunting prospect. Group therapy aims to create attitude changes which will help patients more successfully to integrate back into society. Four different uses of group interaction are identified in the film; negative/positive feedback, social skills learning; role reversal and family sculpture. The film illustrates the way in which the group deals with the different demands being made upon them by group interaction, a technique which often involves unveiling deep-seated fears and anxieties to other group members. As a result of this therapy it is hoped that participants undergo a change of attitude towards their problems, and are thus more readily able to lead less troubled lives.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: D101, Making sense of society
Item code: D101; 21
First transmission date: 24-07-1975
Published: 1975
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:28
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Producer: Roger Penfound
Contributors: D.(Donald) Bannister; Judith Bramley
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Family sculpture; Group interaction; Group therapy techniques; Individual attitudes; Negative/positive feedback; Psychiatric problems; Role reversal; Social integration; Social skills learning
Footage description: Brief shot of group in action is followed by Stevens' introduction to the programme. Bannister examines some of the aims of the group and looks at one particular method. This involves members of the group telling one of their number how they like her/him. The second part shows how she reacts to the other group members statements. The technique of role-playing is discussed for its relevance by Bannister and Bramley. The group then go through such an exercise. The scene is gone through again with roles being reversed. Psychodrama techniques, such as family sculpture are examined. Proud quizzes one member of the group on her childhood. A specific scene from her childhood is acted out and frozen at a certain instant. The group member involved discusses her feelings about the scene. A new scene is now enacted where the group member goes through an imaginary conversation with her father. Bannister sums up on the effectiveness of such group therapy. Various group members outline its usefulness to them. Credits.
Master spool number: 6HT/71920
Production number: 00525_2173
Videofinder number: 1679
Available to public: no