Abstract:
Psychological boundaries are an integral part of group processes. A novel evaluation
method presented in this article seeks to reveal chronological boundary changes. Through
the application of this method, the triangular relationships between the group process, the
content, and the frame of reference is identified. A unique feature of this computer
assisted (Atlas.ti) analysis is that boundary shifts are tracked and quantified, allowing for
specific qualitative exploration. The innovative use of qualitative thematic content
analysis shown here, combined with the quantification of elements of the group process,
can possibly provide group leaders with a framework for the conceptualisation and
identification of boundary movement in the group.
