Encuadre B
Encuadre B
'Encuadre' helps maintain order and avoid chaos by establishing a framework of constants and rules that regulate the interactions and processes within the group. It acts as a methodological set of guidelines that delineate spatial, temporal, and functional aspects that must be followed, thereby ensuring consistency and predictability in group operations. Through this structured environment, 'encuadre' minimizes the potential for disorganization and chaos by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and the scope of activities, ensuring the group can operate efficiently towards its objectives without unnecessary disruptions .
Bleger compares the concept of 'encuadre' to a gestalt figure-background relationship by suggesting that the 'encuadre' often functions as a background element in a group, not noticeable when everything operates smoothly. However, it becomes a 'figure,' or prominent concern, when there are changes, transgressions, or breakdowns in the group process. This figure-background shift means that the 'encuadre' only comes to the forefront of consciousness when it is challenged or fails to contain the group's dynamics. These moments of breakdown or change highlight the importance and significance of the 'encuadre' within the group setting, similar to how the gestalt figure becomes prominent against the background when it captures attention .
Bleger implies that 'encuadre' serves as a necessary boundary that curbs the omnipotence of both group members and coordinators. By setting clear constraints and expectations, it limits the tendency for any individual or subgroup to dominate or act beyond the collective agreed-upon framework. This function of limiting omnipotence is crucial in maintaining the group's focus on task objectives and preventing power dynamics that can lead to disorder or conflict. The 'encuadre' thus ensures a balanced environment where shared goals take precedence over individual agendas .
Oscar Bricchetto highlights the significance of personal 'encuadre' as the internal framework that guides individual behavior and consistency across various life contexts. For a social psychologist, this personal 'encuadre' involves recognizing and adapting to different situational demands while maintaining core character traits. It's crucial for professional practice, as psychologists must navigate various group settings adaptively yet consistently. Their self-awareness and reflective capacity aid in maintaining professional integrity and effectiveness within group processes. This personal framework is inherently challenging to identify and requires continual self-assessment and critique .
Bleger describes 'mudo' encuadre as operating silently where it goes unnoticed when everything within the group's framework functions smoothly. This means that the encuadre effectively supports the group's tasks without drawing attention to itself. It relates to the perception of its presence in the sense that, when the encuadre is integrated seamlessly into the group dynamics, it recedes into the background, becoming a stable foundation that members take for granted. Only when disruptions or challenges occur does it become 'audible,' capturing the group's focal awareness .
Bleger suggests that the 'encuadre' might 'cry' in situations where it is modified, transgressed, or broken. Such occurrences make the 'encuadre' conspicuous as it usually operates in the background. The 'crying' signifies the 'encuadre' being challenged or failing, which is significant because it draws attention to the structural elements that usually support and stabilize group dynamics but are now under stress or scrutiny. This visibility is crucial for understanding how breaches in the 'encuadre' impact group cohesion and effectiveness, potentially calling for interventions to reestablish order .
Didier Anzieu attributes a dual nature to the 'encuadre' rules, stating that they have a divalent character in a group setting. These rules establish both the permissible territory and the prohibited limits. On one hand, they provide containment, security, and a sense of permissiveness where group members can safely express fears and anxieties. On the other hand, they impose restrictions, serving as a source of frustration and potential asphyxiation, as members may feel trapped or limited by these rules. This duality means that 'encuadre' can elicit ambivalent reactions—from acceptance to rebellion—among group participants .
The 'encuadre' can be modified in several ways, including change in spatial settings, temporal arrangements, and functional norms of the group. Changes can occur due to contextual shifts, such as the relocation of the organization or changes in meeting spaces. Modifying the 'encuadre' impacts group dynamics by potentially destabilizing the initial balance, requiring adjustment from group members to new conditions. Such modification can cause the 'encuadre' to become a focal point of the group's attention, especially if it leads to a rupture in the group process, highlighting the need for renewed norms and expectations .
The rules of 'encuadre' support group objectives by establishing a conducive environment for achieving collective aims. Abstinence prevents outside relationships that might distract or disrupt group cohesion. Restitution ensures that external discussions related to the group are reconveyed within its context, maintaining transparency and trust. Discretion safeguards the integrity and privacy of group discussions, thereby fostering open communication. Pertinence keeps the group focused on actions and discussions that align with its goals, discriminating between relevant and irrelevant contributions, which enhances the group's efficiency and effectivity in pursuing its objectives .
According to Bleger, the 'encuadre' serves as a set of constant conditions that provide structure and boundaries for a group process, defining what is within and outside the scope of the group's activities. It operates as a limit, offering a framework that promotes security by establishing clear boundaries—both spatial, temporal, and functional—for the group's operation. This structure helps minimize interference and enhances group productivity by clearly delimiting what occurs within the group process. The 'encuadre' is essential for the process, providing a supportive, containing function that allows the group to focus on its tasks effectively .