Measuring How Systems-Centered® Members Connect with Group Dynamics: FSQ-2 Construct Validity

Understanding and intervening at the connection between group dynamics and member behavior has been a long-standing challenge. Functional subgrouping (FS) is the core Systems-centered training and therapy (SCT) method and is hypothesized to solve vexing member/group dynamic problems such as scapegoating. The self-report Functional Subgrouping Questionnaire-2 (FSQ-2) was developed to measure the amount of functional subgrouping in a group. The current FSQ-2 construct validity study aims to determine whether: 1) FSQ-2 scores change across sessions; 2) level of SCT experience is related to scores; and 3) SCT experience moderates change in FSQ-2 scores over SCT training. Results from groups at various SCT training events showed higher FSQ-2 responses for those with greater SCT experience, and increased scores over time. However, change over time on most FSQ-2 items did not depend on SCT experience level. Findings provide further support for the construct validity of the FSQ-2, and thus also for the SCT model. Suggestions for future SCT/FSQ-2 research are made.

Systems-Centered Group Therapy

Systems-centered therapy (SCT) is a theory-based practice developed from a theory of living human systems (Agazarian, 1997, 2012). Viewing these group participants through an SCT lens enables us to de-pathologize, humanize, legitimize, and universalize the survivor roles that are depicted in the descriptions of the group members, both attachment and social roles. We also have rewritten an excerpt of the group transcript as it might unfold if the SCT norm of functional subgrouping (which develops the inter-person system) was established in the group. Each group member's survivor roles are discussed in terms of how SCT methods are used to weaken the restraining forces in the participants' roles relevant for the group's phase of development. Finally, the group transcript is discussed from an SCT view: The group-system-as-a-whole is seen as predominantly in flight, with some emerging fight energy that is re-vectored by the group and the leader back to flight.