The tripartite matrix, the basic assumption of Incohesion and Scapegoating in Foulkesian Group Analysis: Clinical and empirical illustrations, including terrorism and terrorists

Abstract

An outline of the group analytic theory of the tripartite matrix, and a reconsideration of the dynamics of trauma, the fear of annihilation, helplessness, and envy, enables the theorisation of a fourth basic assumption in the unconscious life of groups and group-like social systems, which I have called Incohesion: Aggregation/Massification or (ba) I:A/M. Scapegoating processes are the main pillar of massification. An understanding of the personification of Incohesion has important clinical and empirical implications, especially for the treatment of our most difficult traumatised patients. This can be seen in the traumatogenic processes of terrorism and terrorists which can be understood in terms of Winnicott’s work on the anti-social tendency and Foulkes’ work on autistic communicational gestures. The failure of the deepest desire for communication concerning the experience of trauma leads to the collapse of hope and the perversion of the golden rule: do onto others as you believe that you have been done by.