Hi guys

 

I'm convinced that there's a psychological term, or there should be, for some sort of amical bond, formed between a individuals in a group of people, all suddenly sharing a temporarily, serious problem, a common threat (think of hostages; or people at a bus stop witnessing a disaster or experiencing one (in this case, it's perhaps also interesting to notice that this group might stay toghether without forming the same bond with other 'groups' like this one; it's an instinctive thought I have, but I might be very wrong; cf. horror movies with zombie apocalypses and some groups of people still fighting each other); or people in a hijacked plane; or even less threatening, like people at a bus stop noticing that the bus isn't showing up, or people on a train all missing a train stop due to some sort of problem).

 

I'm convinced that after the threat is removed, the bond will be persistent. Of course, a bit less strong than with the threat being present, but still some sort of amical bond, stronger than between two unknowns.

 

Important to notice is that if you put 3 persons of which 2 with a very complementary personality and being amical with each other after a while, and the other person being a bit different, in a room, without threatening problem, not everyone in there will form the bond; whereas if there's a sudden threatening problem, everyone will form the bond. Well, that's what I expect there to happen.

 

Is there such term and perhaps even more importantly before asking about the existence of such term: is this phenomenon real? It's what I'd expect to be real, since I've experienced the last 2 examples. Is it perhaps an emotional reaction to bond with something familiar when experiencing something threatening or uncomfortable? I don't know... Perhaps you do?

 

Thanks!

F.

Edited May 16, 201510 yr by Function

I'm not aware of a specific term for the criteria you outline. I would say the general terminology is 'group bonding'.

Addendum: Maybe look at Attachment theory

I think the effect is real and the best term I can come up with for it is this

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/blitz-spirit

though it seems a bit outdated

Attachment theory is a psychological model that attempts to describe the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships between humans. However, "attachment theory is not formulated as a general theory of relationships. It addresses only a specific facet" (Waters et al. 2005: 81): how human beings respond within relationships when hurt, separated from loved ones, or perceiving a threat.[1]...

Marvellous! Thanks guys! (Or guy and woman, don't want to be sexist )

I think the effect is real and the best term I can come up with for it is this

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/blitz-spirit

though it seems a bit outdated

Seems not to be a psychological term as asked for.

Marvellous! Thanks guys! (Or guy and woman, don't want to be sexist )

You're welcome. You can use a genderless term such as folks, as in 'thanks folks!"

Edited May 16, 201510 yr by Acme

Camaraderie or comradeship?

Camaraderie or comradeship?

 

I'm afraid that'd be too general. Acme's quote of attachment theory accurately describes the phenomenon.