title: The "relief effect": a sociobiological model for neurotic distress and large-group therapy.
abstract: The author discusses the new discipline of sociobiology. He develops the hypothesis that relief of neurotic distress may be associated with experiencing social affiliation and presents data that demonstrate a decline in neurotic symptom intensity in individuals who joined a cohesive religious sect. Anthropological and ethological evidence for the adaptive value of this "relief effect" provides a basis for the evolution of this trait. The author proposes a corresponding model for psychotherapy in large groups.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005824:Genetics, Behavioral; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior